The Seattle Seahawks brought in a whopping 17 undrafted free agents from the 2020 class to compete for spots on the active roster.
Most years, teams are lucky to get one UDFA to make the squad, as they are primarily brought in to give the team extra bodies during training camp.
However, the Seahawks have had plenty of luck in the past, going all the way back to Dave Krieg, and including Jermaine Kearse, Doug Baldwin and more recently, defensive tackle Poona Ford.
A huge part of making this squad as an undrafted free agent, or any backup position really, is the ability to contribute on the special teams.
Coach Pete Carroll has long harped the importance of getting young players who are willing to do the dirty work on teams, and guys who are physical, speedy and good open field tacklers will almost always have a leg up on earning one of the final roster spots on the squad.
That’s where former Texas A&M defensive back Debione Renfro could have his advantage. He stands six-foot-two and just over 200 pounds, and was clocked with a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash.
His production at A&M was never elite, in part because injuries and discipline cost him multiple games, but he proved himself a capable open field tackler and a good blitzer, which could be a role the Seahawks explore using him in during training camp.
Ultimately, Renfro’s chances of making the team depend on the legal resolution of Quinton Dunbar’s recent arrest for armed robbery, which is still ongoing. If he is unable to suit up for the Seahawks at any point in 2020, the team will need another defensive back – opening up a spot for Renfro to compete for.
Akeem King held down a job all of last year primarily because of his ability to contribute on the special teams, and it is not hard to imagine Renfro stepping in and doing the same in 2020.
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