Seahawks free company preview: Half 1 – Fixing the offensive line

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t make the playoffs final season. Though Mike Macdonald’s first 12 months gave followers cause to consider in a greater future, the staff wants to enhance. There are lots of areas that should be strengthened, particularly on offense, extra particularly on the offensive line.

First issues first

Each fan needs to see their staff strengthen throughout free company. It’s necessary to do not forget that there are 31 different groups with the identical want to enhance their rosters. The primary necessary level for the FA is the cap. On the time of writing this text, the Seahawks nonetheless want to regulate earlier than free company begins. The strikes will inevitably occur, however what is for certain is that the Seahawks won’t enter this free company as one of many groups with the best cap.

After the cap difficulty, it’s crucial to have a look at the gamers’ motivations. There are elements past the cap. For instance, some gamers will want to signal with an actual contender, even when it’s for rather less cash. Within the case of veteran gamers, for instance, these guys don’t need to show themselves anymore (they usually don’t have to), in order that they usually want to play in a metropolis near the place they’re, or return to their hometown, somewhat than having to maneuver at this stage of their profession.

That stated, let’s get to one thing apparent, nevertheless it must be stated. Good gamers are costly. In fact, 12 months after 12 months you see gamers who signal for low costs and stand out as bargains. Nevertheless, it’s utopian to think about that you just’ll be capable to construct a whole roster that method.

John Schneider has at all times struggled in free company. He has a behavior of overpaying for common gamers and barely will get into competitors for probably the most excellent gamers. The Seahawks’ largest signing, by way of value, was, for a very long time, Sidney Rice, proper in the beginning of the PC/JS period. That modified with the arrival of Uchenna Nwosu and at last Dre’ Jones.

Though Jones was a failure, the decision-making course of was appropriate. He was some of the sought-after DLs and the staff needed to dig deep to signal him. For instance, he competed with Zach Allen, who had unbelievable seasons with the Broncos. Think about what would occur if we reversed the signings.

Lastly, the well being of the gamers. I’m not a health care provider and I shouldn’t have entry to the identical quantity of knowledge that the groups have in regards to the situation of the gamers. In concept, the bodily analysis they do permits some groups to be extra keen to spend extra on gamers who’re getting back from damage than others.

Precedence Targets

Picture by Perry Knotts/Getty Photographs

Drew Dalman, C (Atlanta Falcons)

“If you’re going to have success in a zone scheme, it starts with an elite center.”

That was Klint Kubiak’s quote in his first press convention because the Seahawks’ OC. May this be an indication that the staff goes to take a position closely able the place it has struggled 12 months after 12 months?

The highest 5 facilities graded in 2024 by PFF have been Creed Humphrey, Frank Ragnow, Tyler Linderbaum, Drew Dalman, and Zach Frazier (R). Dalman is the one one who shall be a free agent. Mix that with the weak class on the place and Dalman needs to be a transparent goal.

The large downside is that this may enhance competitors. That’s why you’ve most likely seen lots of articles and movies with “Why should team X sign Dalman?” or “Why would Dalman be a great fit for team Y?”

One of many sturdy candidates to signal Dalman is our rivals, the 49ers. Dalman is the son of Chris Dalman, who was a middle for the San Francisco 49ers, and performed for Stanford, a lot nearer to the 49ers than Seattle.

He stands 6’3 and weighs 305 lbs, ran a wonderful 4.51 brief shuttle at his Professional Day, whereas placing up spectacular numbers within the vertical (33 inches) and broad bounce (9-1 inches). He has translated these traits into a powerful NFL profession. He acquired a 78.8 PFF grade for the 2024 season (#4 amongst facilities) and his run-blocking grade was 79.8 (#5 amongst facilities). The 12 months earlier than, he had a 90.0 run-blocking grade (82.3 total).

Dalman gave up two sacks and 10 pressures in 2024. His run-blocking grades have been 82.3 in zone (196 snaps) and 65.0 in hole (52 snaps). Drew Dalman missed a piece of time in the course of the season with a sprained ankle, however he was an efficient blocker when he was on the sector. He was an necessary a part of the operating sport for Atlanta’s line, which had the third-best EPA per carry when Dalman returned to the lineup in Week 13. He additionally had a zone-blocking grade of 82.3, adequate for sixth amongst facilities. Not one of the different top-10 zone blockers can be found (except the Vikings minimize Garrett Bradbury, who got here in ninth).

The Seahawks needs to be ready to outperform the market, as they did for Dre’Mont Jones in 2023? A contract that matches between Humphrey’s $18 million per 12 months and Ragnow’s $13.5 million per 12 months is sensible.

Projection: 3 years/45M.

Plan B
Mekhi Becton, OG (Philadelphia Eagles)

The 6-7, 363-pound Becton was drafted with the eleventh total choice, one choose after Jedrick Wills (additionally on this record). He by no means lived as much as his draft standing throughout his time in New York, which was marred by quite a few accidents and points with consistency.

His soccer reborn when he signed with the Eagles and underneath Jeff Stoutland after being moved to OG. Beginning 15 video games, he allowed 34 pressures and 5 sacks in move safety, and he excelled at transferring our bodies off the road of scrimmage as a run blocker, taking part in a vital function in Saquon Barkley’s breakout season. Showcasing his nimble footwork, he additionally graded out with a unbelievable 78.7 zone blocking grade from PFF, making him an ideal match for Kubiak’s scheme.

He’s nonetheless 25 years outdated and has lots of potential. Nevertheless, I’ve a tough time seeing the Eagles and Becton not attain an settlement to maintain him in Philly earlier than free company even begins.

Projection: 3 years/32M.

Ryan Kelly, C (Indianapolis Colts)

Kelly could also be contemplating retirement after a adorned profession with the Colts, as accidents have hampered Kelly the previous two seasons, and he underwent knee surgical procedure in the course of 2024, which is definitely value monitoring for potential groups seeking to convey him on board. He ranked tenth amongst inside linemen in pass-block win charge. Within the run sport, he had a powerful 75.4 zone-blocking grade in 2023 (although he was poor in 2024 at 57.8) and would offer management and toughness on the OL if wholesome.

Groups might want to assess his well being, particularly when figuring out how a lot assured cash to pay, however Kelly needs to be the best choice if a staff is unable to signal Dalman. Seattle could possibly be poised to draft the QB subsequent 12 months.

Projection: 1 12 months/11M.

Will Fries, OG

Fries made big strides throughout his rookie contract and could possibly be the subsequent guard to money in on a wave of big-money offers in 2024. Sadly, Fries fractured his tibia in Week 5 towards the Jacksonville Jaguars and underwent speedy surgical procedure, however he had earned an 86.8 PFF total grade to that time on 268 snaps.

The worth of his contract shall be impacted by that damage and surgical procedure. Nevertheless, as talked about above, Fries had been on the rise in his profession. He didn’t play a lot in his rookie 12 months, grew to become a starter halfway by means of the season the next 12 months, began all of 2023 and was doing very nicely till he bought harm in 2024.

Projection: 4 years/48M.

James Daniels, iOL (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Solely eight iOL free brokers had a zone run blocking grade above 70 final season. They have been:

Drew Dalman — 86.6 (454 snaps)

James Daniels — 79.6 (275 snaps)

Ben Bartch — 79.5 (57 snaps)

Trey Smith — 79.3 (482 snaps)

Kevin Zeitler — 79.2 (462 snaps)

Teven Jenkins — 78.1 (284 snaps)

Will Fries — 76.4 (349 snaps)

Coleman Shelton — 73.0 (309 snaps)

James Daniels made the change to protect within the NFL after taking part in middle at Iowa. Shifting Daniels again to middle could possibly be an possibility, however he additionally could be an improve at guard. He’s a participant I’ve been monitoring since his time with the Bears. Daniels was having an amazing 12 months, however sadly he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 4. His efficiency shall be unsure as he returns from the damage, and that may clearly impression his wage. I believe it’s a worthwhile wager. There ought to nonetheless be a stable market given Daniels’ age (27) and expertise (seven years).

Projection: 1 12 months/7.5M.

Complementary choices
Coleman Shelton, C (Chicago Bears)

The 6-4, 299-pound Shelton started his profession as a UDFA in San Francisco in 2018. He hung out with the Cardinals, solely on the follow squad, earlier than signing with the Rams in 2019 and staying till signing with the Bears in 2024.

In his first season as a beginning middle in Los Angeles, in 2023, taking on for Brian Allen, he was graded as PFF’s fifth-best zone-blocking middle (83.9), although his efficiency took a giant step again in Chicago final season, with him rating nineteenth out of 26 certified facilities. For 2 straight years, Shelton has barely left the sector. He has some positional flexibility between the tackles as nicely — all admirable traits in a free-agent offensive lineman. He additionally has data of the wide-zone scheme from his time with the Rams, which might make him a superb match for the Seahawks.

Projection: 2 years/10M.

Josh Myers, C (Inexperienced Bay Packers)

Myers took over the beginning function in Inexperienced Bay after Corey Linsley left. He has missed just one sport prior to now three seasons. He was an necessary a part of the Packers’ floor assault that was a standout. Myers has good expertise in each the hole and zone schemes. Nevertheless, he had one of many 5 worst zone grades amongst facilities final 12 months. Together with his expertise and athletic potential, Kubiak and Benton can adapt him to the place/scheme.

Projection: 2 years/16M.

Patrick Mekari, OL (Baltimore Ravens)

All through his profession, Patrick Mekari has performed all around the Ravens’ offensive line. He performed middle and proper guard in 2020, proper deal with in 2021, left deal with in 2022 and 2023, and left guard in 2024. That versatility ought to assist his marketability, becoming in wherever he must be positioned. He ranked 18th amongst inside linemen in pass-blocking win charge whereas at left guard in 2024. Mekari posted a profession 97 % pass-blocking effectivity charge and performed his greatest in move safety at left guard in 2024, permitting one sack and no quarterback hits on 577 pass-blocking snaps.

Mekari has 500+ snaps at each deal with positions earlier than 2024, and 500+ snaps at middle in his rookie season. This might increase his worth considerably in free company. On the draw back, he has at all times been a greater graded hole blocker than zone blocker, which wouldn’t make him a really perfect match for Kubiak’s offense.

Projection: 3 years/21M.

Ben Bredeson, OG (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Ben Bredeson is a stable lineman with the flexibility to play a number of positions. He has expertise at each RG and C in 2023. His greatest and most up-to-date function is LG, the place he performed nicely alongside Tristian Wirfs as a zone blocker in 2024.

Projection: 1 12 months/3.5M.

Teven Jenkins, OG (Chicago Bears)

Jenkins was a 2021 second-round choose and, regardless of being a RT at Oklahoma State, he has discovered his greatest play at LG. The large difficulty is his sturdiness. He has missed 12 video games within the final 3 years and performed in 14 video games in 2024, which was his highest variety of video games in his profession. Medical experiences will definitely dictate his contract. Groups which might be extra assured in his well being may open up their wallets to have him on their staff.

From a system match standpoint, Jenkins is a perfect match. He’s 6’6 and 321 lbs and has unbelievable athleticism, particularly within the run sport. He completed 2024 with a 70.5 zone blocking grade. He had some points in move safety, particularly anchoring, however would nonetheless be a giant improve.

Projection: 3 years/24M.

Veterans
Kevin Zeitler, OG (Detroit Lions)

After spending three years in Baltimore (after virtually signing with Seattle), Zeitler joined Detroit, which was a near-perfect match. His 86.8 PFF total grade within the common season was his greatest since 2014, and his 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade was a career-high. The 34-year-old could possibly be an inexpensive however efficient guard possibility in the marketplace.

The large query is that at his age, he might not be excited by transferring to the Pacific Northwest after by no means taking part in there. Actually, I believe it’s extremely unlikely he received’t re-sign with the Lions.

Projection: 1 yrs/7M.

Brandon Scherff, OG (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Brandon Scherff has been wholesome in every of the final three seasons after lacking time annually from 2018-2021. His high-level play isn’t as much as the identical requirements as when he was on the sector in Washington, however extra constant taking part in time has allowed him to have the next ceiling even in his 30s. Final season, Scherff had his lowest run-blocking win charge (1.9%) since 2021.

After a sequence of accidents stored Scherff out of motion for a good quantity of video games every season from 2018-21, he bounced again in a giant method by beginning each sport all through his three-year contract with the Jaguars from 2022-24. He hasn’t proven the identical expertise and efficiency he did in Washington, however he would nonetheless be a giant improve, particularly in move safety.

Projection: 1 12 months/6M.

Darkish Horse Venture
Jedrick Wills, OT (Cleveland Browns)

Mekhi Becton was the large restoration undertaking in 2024. Groups may even see Willis as the identical chance, recovering an amazing expertise with top-10 choose pedigree. Jedrick Wills performed simply 5 video games in the course of the 2024 season earlier than being benched for Dawand Jones. His 2023 season was minimize brief after simply eight video games, and it wasn’t till 2022 that he managed to play each sport.

Harm issues and inconsistent play are worrisome, however he could possibly be an inexpensive wager for a staff that wants OL assist, like Seattle. Even transferring him to a different place just like the Eagles did with Becton.

Projection: 1 12 months/2.5M.

Half 2 of this four-part sequence will have a look at reinforcing the Seahawks protection line. Keep tuned!