Seattle Seahawks: Retooled offensive line is key to 2020 success
Brandon Shell, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks.
Right Tackle
Two of the more polarizing Seattle Seahawks players in recent years were Ifedi and Fant. Both had their supporters and more than their share of detractors. With one exception, neither had a PFF grade over 61 the last four seasons (Fant cracked the top 30 with a 72.8 rating in 2018).
The Seahawks moved on, replacing the sub-mediocre pair with Shell and Ogbuehi. Both men rated close to each other in 2019, which is a significant improvement over what Seattle had. Shell has been better in camp, making him the likely opening day starter. Maybe getting away from the dysfunctional New York Jets is what he needed to take his career up a notch.
Right Guard
Fluker was an above-average player over the past two years. It seemed like he could have done a much better job than he did. Untimely penalties and a weak tackle next to him dragged down his play.
Seattle may have found a steal with Damien Lewis in the third round. There is no doubting his pedigree coming from last year’s National Champion LSU Tigers. Lewis has been the starting right guard since the first day players were allowed on the field for practice.
Anyone from the team asked about Lewis has been raving about the rookie.
“The guys can already sense that you can count on him to know what’s going on, so he’s off to a really good start. He moves well on the second level and he’s done a nice job already just showing us that he can pull and get on the edge, so he’s done nothing but good stuff so far.” – Head Coach Pete Carroll to Sports Illustrated.
When asked by Greg Bell of the Tacoma Tribune which linemen had impressed him during practice, veteran Bruce Irvin had Lewis right behind Duane Brown.
“Sixty-eight has really caught my eye.”
Carroll doesn’t exactly run a basic offense. There was no mini-camp or OTA’s this spring, for Lewis to work his way into the system. The way he stepped up to seize the position says plenty about his ability and football I.Q.