5 former Washington State Cougars who could help the Seattle Seahawks in 2022
Five Washington State Cougars alumni who can help the undermanned Seattle Seahawks in 2022.
After several high-profile departures this offseason, the Seattle Seahawks have several holes on their roster. They can look no further than some players with in-state connections for reinforcements. Here are five available Washington State Cougars alumni who can help now.
HM Frankie Luvu – DL/LB, WSU 2014-17
Every NFL team needs depth for their interior defense. Frankie Luvu is an ideal rotational player.
5. Deone Bucannon – SS/LB, WSU 2010 – 2013
Although he didn’t play last season for several reasons, Deone Buchanon can still help the Seattle Seahawks. Maybe he was ahead of his time when Arizona drafted him in 2014. But Buchanon plays the safety/linebacker hybrid position that is becoming more widespread in the NFL over the past few seasons. He’s a better backup for how Seattle uses Jamal Adams than Ryan Neal.
4. Max Borghi – RB, WSU 2018-21
Sure the Seahawks have Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson at running back. If either could stay on the field for more than half a dozen games a season, it wouldn’t be an issue.
Alex Collins did a great job bridging the two featured backs last season, but he was injured as well and is now a free agent. The other two backups, Deejay Dallas and Travis Homer failed to impress when they had their chances to play.
Enter Max Borghi. He should be available when Seattle picks in the seventh round. Watch the video of him during his four years with the Washington State Cougars. It shows a versatile back who can find holes, accelerate through them, and absorb hits. And he’s even better at catching passes out of the backfield. In the NFL, he’ll be a valuable third down producer.
3. Gardner Minshew – QB, WSU 2018
Many Seattle Seahawks fans wanted them to draft Gardner Minshew in 2019 as an heir-apparent to Russell Wilson. Anyone who saw GM II tear it up for the Washington State Cougars in 2018 knows he has NFL talent.
His ability to get out of trouble and improvise on the fly would work well on a team that struggles to protect the passer. To be honest, he’s a better fit for how the Seahawks like to run their offense than either Geno Smith or Drew Lock. His biggest problem is arm strength on deep throws, but not every NFL passer is a deep ball threat.
2. Andre Dillard – OT, WSU 2016-18
The Seattle Seahawks need offensive tackles, and Andre Dillard can be had for a very reasonable price. Philadelphia’s 2019 first round pick has struggled to win a starting job. Part of that has to do with adjusting from Mike Leach’s Air Raid to an NFL offense.
In Seattle, he’ll have every opportunity to play. After all, Dillard can’t be any worse than the combination of Shell, Jamarco Jones, and Jack Curhan. Being close to home could help Dillard fulfill his potential.
1. Abraham Lucas – OT, WSU 2017-21
Abraham Lucas was a four-year starter for the Washington State State Cougars. Unlike Dillard, he played his last two seasons in more of a pro-style offense.
A second-team All-Pac-12 selection as a sophomore and junior, last season, he raised his play to first-team status. As a result, he could very likely be a Top 50 draft pick this year.
An outstanding pass blocker, Lucas combines size, arm length, balance, and footwork to fend off oncoming pass rushers. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Lucas still has work to do as a run blocker, especially in a Pete Carroll offense. Nevertheless, the Seattle Seahawks definitely have him on their radar.
Which of these Washington State Cougars alums do you think the Seattle Seahawks should go after? Let us know in the comments section below.