Coby Bryant can start? Assessing Seattle Seahawks’ 2022 rookie impact – Seattle Seahawks Blog

RENTON, Wash. — Coby BryantA recognizable name is not all that brings joy to the recipient. Seattle Seahawks‘ secondary.

The fourth-round cornerback comes from Cincinnati and has a stellar college resume. He also boasts the best ball skills among draft defenders. Bryant won the 2021 Jim Thorpe Award for the nation’s best defensive back in his fourth season. Bryant finished his college career with 10 interceptions, 45 passes defensed and a record 53 games.

The man has played and learned a lot about football.

After the first practice of rookie minicamp, Pete Carroll, Seahawks coach, said that he just seemed comfortable. “He understands it. “He gets it.”

Bryant and his defensive teammates held regular offseason study sessions to aid their learning. Between classes and workouts, they’d meet for Football 500, where Bryant and his defensive teammates would discuss the Bearcats’ defensive strategy and brainstorm ways to attack them.

Cincinnati’s defense tied for fourth place in 2021, while the Bearcats lost the CFP semifinals. Bryant, who was a captain of the team, believes they played a role in those meetings.

He said, “Just take the football IQ up to the next level.”

Bryant’s ability to be a student will help him as he learns a new defense and tries to get a job as a rookie. Bryant is realistic in his expectation that fourth-round picks will not start immediately. There are two spots open at the Seahawks’ cornerback spot. The Seahawks’ top two cornerback spots are open. Ken Norton Jr., the former defensive coordinator, was known to be reluctant to play inexperienced players. Bryant and other young defenders should not have that problem under Clint Hurtt.

Here’s how Bryant and other draftees from Seattle might fit in the team’s 2022 plans.

LT Charles Cross, first round (No. 9 overall)

Cross was not the Seahawks’ highest draft pick since 2010, so he didn’t get to spend any time on the bench. Cross is a lock to assume the role of head coach. Duane BrownThe starting position for Week 1 was taken by Cross. Cross is still learning from Mike Leach’s Air-Raid offense. This offense ran the ball very rarely and did not ask its offensive linesmen to take a three-point stance. Cross was the Seahawks’ second-rated left tackle this year, behind only Corey and Jeremy. Evan NealThey believe that the transition is possible.

OLB Boye Mafe, Second Round (No. 40)

According to an NFL source, the Seahawks tried trading up in the second round for another outside linebacker. Arnold Ebiketie. In the second round, the Falcons advanced to take Ebiketie 2 spots ahead of Seattle. The mafe, an uber-explosive player, looks more than a consolation award. He was a first round sensation after his 2021 season of seven sacks and strong performance at the Senior Bowl. According to scouts he has some work to do but is familiar with most of the tasks that the Seahawks will require him to perform in their new defense. Mafe will be a key part of Seattle’s edge-rushing team. Darrell Taylor Uchenna Nwosu.

Walker was Seattle’s most controversial pick, and perhaps the only one. Some felt that this was too high for a team still in contention. However, the Seahawks plan on relying heavily on the running and will likely need Walker to do so. a lot of the runningAs a rookie. The big question is whether Chris CarsonFollowing neck surgery, the area will be clear. Rashaad PennyHe has a long history of injury.

Cross faces a similar transition because Lucas has played strictly from a 2-point stance in two pass heavy college offenses. Carroll declared, “Shoot,” after his first rookie practice. “I was able to view half of the footage of teamwork that we did. They have been hard at it. They appear very comfortable, and they will improve. Lucas will likely start as a rookie, even though he may not be the first. He has to beat 2021 UDFA. Jake Curhan, who was a good player while taking over for Brandon Shell.

CB Coby Bryant in the fourth round (No. 109)

The Seahawks may have their most open position, other than quarterback, in cornerback. They are. Tre BrownFollowing a promising rookie season that was cut short by injuries, the team has been able to bring it back. Sidney Jones IVA modest deal plus additional Artie BurnsFor even less money. None of them can be locked into beginning roles.

CB Tariq Woolen, fifth round (No. 153)

Woolen did not do much during rookie training while he was resting from a hamstring strain. His 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame reminded me of another Seattle cornerback in the recent past. Woolen is a strong reminder of the past. Tre FlowersAlthough he is slightly faster (4.26 seconds for the 40-yard run) and has a vertical of 42 inches, he is still a bit bigger. Woolen, who converted from receiver in 2019, is relatively new to the position. Flowers was a safety player throughout college and earned a corner job as a rookie despite Norton’s preference for veterans. Woolen is still possible to play.

OLB Tyreke Smith, fifth round (No. 158)

Smith could be in contention for a roster spot. Alton RobinsonLast season, he was not as productive as a rookie in 2020.

WRs Bo Melton Dareke Young, seventh round (Nos. 229 and 233)

Picks in the seventh round face a tough battle just to be included on the team. Young, Melton and other contenders will be fighting for what could only be one or two spots left. DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Freddie Swain Dee Eskridge. As usual, special teams can make a big difference in the selection of the back end receiver corps. Melton’s previous experience will be a huge help.