The Seahawks’ offensive line was better in 2020, but they need to focus on getting some top-tier young talent to succeed the older veterans.
In part one of this series, I discussed the need for the Seattle Seahawks to address the edge rusher position this offseason. In this installment, I examine another position – or rather, a group of positions – that the team should address.
NEED NO. 2: OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Although the 2020 iteration of Seattle’s offensive line was superior to the units of years past, the front five could still do with some upgrades. They were positively bullied by the Rams’ defense in all three 2020-21 matchups, causing quarterback Russell Wilson to make some baffling choices that threw the entire offense off-balance. At times, it appeared that the team was facing a sort of identity crisis, with the popular “Let Russ Cook” mantra giving way to an aura of muddled confusion across the Seahawks fanbase.
As opposing teams figured out how to defend against the 2020 Seahawks’ pass-happy offense, Wilson’s – and subsequently, Seattle’s – efficiency took a massive downturn. In a press conference on Jan. 11, two days after Seattle’s wild-card exit, coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the team’s lack of a balanced attack. “I want to see if we can run the ball more effectively… I’d like to not play against two-deep looks all season long next year.”
A return to prioritizing the ground game makes sense, as the Seahawks’ o-line was specifically built around maintaining a strong rushing offense. Starting tackles Duane Brown and Brandon Shell, as well as starting guards Mike Iupati and Damien Lewis, all perform much better on run-blocking than on pass-protecting efforts. With those building blocks in place, the Seahawks ought to focus on further bolstering the unit to ensure that offensive productivity remains consistent (not streaky) for the next several years.
“We need to run the ball with direction and focus and style that allows us to dictate the game,” said Carroll. “We have to be able to get that done.”
The Seahawks’ pending free agent offensive linemen include tackle Cedric Ogbuehi ($2.3 million contract) and interior linemen Mike Iupati ($2.5 million), Ethan Pocic ($1.102 million), Kyle Fuller ($750,000) and Jordan Simmons ($675,000). Not all of them will leave, but regardless of who re-signs, the unit could do with a boost in overall talent.
Seattle’s best bet would be to address this issue through the draft. Brown is the cornerstone of the o-line, but is 34 years old and needs a successor. Iupati is just one year younger than Brown and seems to have reached his peak. With the Seahawks sitting at just four picks this year, they will need to put some serious research into making sure that they hone in on some Day 2-3 prospects that the staff can develop into top-tier blockers.
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