Tag: Laken Tomlinson

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser. That means the offensive line is leaking protection on 40% of their starting quarterback’s dropbacks.

The majority of those pressures have arrived from the right side of the offensive line. Pro Football Focus credits right guard Anthony Bradford with allowing 24 pressures, second-worst (112) among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113.

The right tackle position has also struggled. Injuries have forced the Seahawks to start three different right tackles this year. George Fant, Stone Forsythe, and Mike Jerrell have all started for Mike Macdonald’s lackluster offensive line. Below-average results have been delivered.

The Seahawks have a 53% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) this season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross has been far-and-away the team’s best blocker in pass protection. Cross is Seattle’s only offensive lineman that cracks ESPN’s leaderboard, posting an elite individual PBWR of 92%.

The Seahawks have allowed a sixth-worst 28 sacks this season. Smith has been outstanding when operating from a clean pocket, posting a passer rating of 108.6 in such rare scenarios, per PFF. When under pressure, that rating plummets to 49.5.

The offensive line remains a work in progress. Cross is outstanding, but the overall unit, particularly the right side, desperately needs improving. Hopefully Abe Lucas returns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 and helps deliver clean pockets for Smith with more consistency.

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Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to effectively run the football this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the offense is currently producing a 28th-ranked 91.2 rushing yards per game. As a unit, they are averaging a disappointing 4.1 yards per carry. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III has enjoyed just one 100-yard rushing showing this year, and it occurred way back in Week 1.

A struggling offensive line is largely to blame for the lackluster results. Head coach Mike Macdonald has rotated through an abundance of blockers at right guard and right tackle in search of the right combination, to no avail. Opposing defenders have routinely made plays in the backfield.

The Seahawks currently have the fourth-worst run-block-win-rate (RBWR) in the league at 67%, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle doesn’t have a single offensive lineman on ESPN’s RBWR leaderboard.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has also struggled to commit to sticking with the struggling ground game. Despite owning a competitive record of 4-5, the Seahawks rank 29th in rushing attempts with just 201. Oddly enough, Seattle’s 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for sixth-most in the league.

The Seahawks have gone into pass-happy shells due to the nonexistent ground attack. Grubb’s rushing offense is scoring touchdowns despite few attempts and inconsistent results. The Seahawks require improved ground-game efficiency when they return from the Week 10 bye.

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Though the collective team effort was lacking, certain players outperformed others. The following players were Seattle’s five highest-graded talents versus the Bills, according to Pro Football Focus’ data.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 73.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was by far Seattle’s most productive receiver in DK Metccalf’s absence. Smith-Njigba posted team-highs in targets (7), receptions (6), and receiving yards (69). He was the only veteran threat that produced, with Tyler Lockett disappointingly being held to one catch for nine yards.

Geno Smith | 72.7

Geno Smith was efficient, completing 21-of-29 passing attempts for 212 yards. He also only took one sack behind a struggling offensive line. The issue? Smith threw zero touchdowns and one interception, and he was also fortunate the team recovered his fumble.

Coby Bryant | 70.5

Versatile defensive back Coby Bryant took advantage of more playing time due to injuries in the secondary. Bryant totaled six tackles and a pass breakup for a second consecutive week. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati has earned more reps in Mike Macdonald’s secondary even when everybody gets healthy.

Laken Tomlinson | 69.4

The performance of the offensive line in pass protection was a rare bright spot for Seattle on Sunday. As mentioned, Smith was only sacked on one occasion. Left guard Laken Tomlinson played a quality game. The veteran blocker tied his season-best output by allowing just one quarterback pressure and zero sacks.

Byron Murphy II | 65.7

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has improved since returning from injury in Week 7. The former Texas Longhorn recorded one pressure and a season-best four tackles. Murphy should continue improving as he continues getting crucial reps under his belt.

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Seahawks name DK Metcalf and 3 others as Week 4 captains

Seahawks name DK Metcalf and 3 others as Week 4 captains

The Seattle Seahawks are employing a weekly rotational system for their captains this year. Instead of naming an offense, defense and special teams captain for the entire season, Seattle is opting to highlight new players each week given changing circumstances.

For Week 4 against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, the Seahawks have announced their four captains:

  • DK Metcalf
  • Coby Bryant
  • Laken Tomlinson
  • Jonathan Hankins

For all four players, this will mark the first week where they have been named captains. So far, the only player who has been a captain in multiple weeks has been quarterback Geno Smith. Smith was named a captain in each of the first two games.

For Laken Tomlinson and Jonathan Hankins, it is a bit of a homecoming for both players. Hankins is a native of Dearborn, MI, and Tomlinson was a former first round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Seahawks and Lions will kick off at 5:15 pm PDT on ABC/ESPN+ this coming Monday night.

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Seahawks shuffle OL with several starters on rest days

Seahawks shuffle OL with several starters on rest days

The Seattle Seahawks are still working through multiple scenarios across their offensive line heading into Saturday evening’s preseason finale with the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike Macdonald shuffled things up front at Thursday’s practice due to different circumstances.

In the most positive development, center Connor Williams was more involved than ever before. Williams played the majority of snaps during the scrimmage, according to Gregg Bell. That represented a new trend, after he was replaced midway through Monday’s and Tuesday’s session.

It’s clear that Macdonald is ramping up Williams’ workload with Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos on the horizon. Williams is unlikely to play versus the Browns in the exhibition finale this weekend, but he’s getting ready for regular-season action.

Elsewhere, right tackle George Fant and left tackle Laken Tomlinson presumably received veteran rest days. Their absences meant Christian Haynes was the starting left guard, and Stone Forsythe was the right tackle, per Brady Henderson. Haynes is still in a position battle with Anthony Bradford at right guard, but his services were required to fill-in on the left for Tomlinson.

The Seahawks continue to display faith in Haynes’ ability to play both left and right guard. Switching sides on a daily basis hasn’t prevented him from pushing Bradford for the right-sided starting gig. A decision on the starting right guard is expected to be announced prior to Week 1.

Forsythe is an interesting case. He’s not guaranteed a 53-man roster spot, though Abe Lucas‘ injury status may rescue his chances given that he’s currently working as the second-string right tackle behind Fant. With Lucas remaining sidelined at this point, Forsythe is seeing an increase in work given Fant’s advancing age.

 

Ranking the top 32 left guards in the NFL by annual salary

Heading into 2024, Seattle is paying peanuts at their left guard compared to Carolina.

The Seahawks let several starters walk in free agency this offseason. On the bummer side of the ledger, most fans were sad to see Bobby Wagner and Quandre Diggs walk. On the other hand, most were comfortable with allowing Damien Lewis to leave and sign with the Panthers considering what he was able to get on his new contract.

Heading into 2024, Seattle is paying peanuts at their left guard compared to Carolina. Projected starter Laken Tomlinson is only making $1.2 million this year, while Lewis is getting more than 10 times that amount from the Panthers. Let’s see how they all stack up. Here are the 32 highest-paid left guards in the league going into the 2024 season – contract numbers are from Over the Cap.

Seahawks LG Laken Tomlinson discusses secrets of his durability

Tomlinson was asked how he’s managed to only miss one game in his entire NFL career.

The most senior member of the Seahawks offensive line last year was Jason Peters, who provided some badly-needed experience for a relatively young unit. This year that title goes to Laken Tomlinson, who’s projected to start at left guard in place of Damien Lewis, who signed wit the Panthers in free agency.

Yesterday Seahawks beat reporters got to speak with Tomlinson after getting to interview both Boye Mafe and DK Metcalf. Tomlinson was asked how he’s managed to only miss one game in his entire NFL career, which began back in 2015 when the Lions picked him in the first round of the draft. Tomlinson credited a combination of good luck, God and hard work. Watch.

Tomlinson’s toughness and experience are welcome attributes for this offensive line. However, fans probably shouldn’t fall in love too much – Tomlinson only signed a one-year deal worth a total of $1.21 million. At 32 years old, odds are  Seattle will be looking to find his long-term replacement in next year’s draft.

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WATCH: Former Blue Devil Laken Tomlinson congratulates Graham Barton on NFL draft pick

Graham Barton joined Laken Tomlinson as one of eight Duke players taken in the first round of the NFL draft, and Tomlinson recorded a short video congratulating him.

Graham Barton became the eighth former Duke player drafted in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took him off the board with the 26th pick.

Laken Tomlinson, another member of the elite club, took notice of the accomplishment. The Duke football team shared a short clip of the NFL veteran addressing his former Blue Devil after the selection.

“I’m so proud of you, man,” Tomlinson said. “I know about all the work you’ve been putting on in the trenches.”

“Keep grinding and making us proud. I can’t wait to see what you do next year on the field.”

Tomlinson, who also plays on the offensive line, was picked 28th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2015. At the time, he was the first first-rounder from the Duke program in almost 30 years.

He signed with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason after stints with the San Fransisco 49ers and the New York Jets.

Tomlinson, Barton, and New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones are the only three Duke players taken on opening night since 1987.

Seahawks getting visit from veteran free agent G Greg Van Roten

The Seahawks are in the market for a guard… or two.

The Seahawks are in the market for a guard… or two. Last week general manager John Schneider told 710 Seattle that the team would be hosting a veteran offensive linemen or two, and earlier this week ESPN reported that the Seahawks were interested in free agent left guards Laken Tomlinson and Cody Whitehair.

Now we have reports of a meeting with yet another veteran free agent guard. According to Aaron Wilson, Greg Van Roten will be visiting today.

Van Roten (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) was originally undrafted out of Pennsylvania, but he’s gone on to a long career for a guard. All together he has appeared in 110 regular season games for five different teams, starting 71 of them.

Most recently Van Roten spent the 2023 season with the Raiders, where he put in over 1,000 snaps at right guard. PFF gave him a solid pass blocking grade (77.4) and a decent 68.5 run blocking grade for the year.

Now 34 years old, Van Roten is past his prime with the Panthers, but he should be relatively cheap in what’s been a wildly overpaid guard market this cycle. If he does sign, Van Roten would likely compete with second-year guard Anthony Bradford for the RG1 spot on the roster.

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