Seattle Seahawks’ training camp has been a success, with bright spots all around the field and expectations higher than ever heading into the regular season.
After nearly 200 days since the Seattle Seahawks’ last appearance on the field, Seattle’s training camp kicked off July 25.
Fan-favorite linebacker Bobby Wagner, who spent a year with the Los Angeles Rams, returned back to Seattle’s practice field and received immediate love from the “12s” in attendance. “The fans have been amazing. The first time I came back was just something that was really special, the way they welcomed me,” Wagner said in a press conference.
However, rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon was absent to begin camp as Witherspoon and the Seahawks were unable to reach a contract agreement. Witherspoon then soon signed a four-year, fully-guaranteed $31.86 million contract, making him the last player in his draft class to sign.
After a brief holdout, Witherspoon made his first appearance on the field for the Seahawks. Though Witherspoon was initially drafted to play outside cornerback, head coach Pete Carroll decided to move him into the nickel position, leading fellow defensive back Michael Jackson to move to outside corner.
On the surface, a “demotion” from outside cornerback to nickel might be alarming, but rest assured, Witherspoon seems to be comfortable, fitting right into what the Seahawks need from him — a physical corner who can defend the pass, but is also able to come in and stop the run.
“It was a real easy transition (to nickel), especially in our defense … It plays into my game a good amount, but it also plays well into our defense, the way we run it,” Witherspoon said in a press conference.
Heading into the offseason, the Seahawks made it their mission to build an electric offense. Rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whom I consider to be the steal of the draft, has been creating a lot of buzz in Seattle, sparking some of that electricity.
Smith-Njigba has been one of the better players in Seattle’s camp, as clips of him surface every day winning one-on-ones with textbook route-running, absurd one-handed catches, incredible playmaking and uncatchable speed. Look for him to be in serious talks for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Moreover, there seems to be no doubt that Smith-Njigba will be a focal point in Seattle’s offense, as his connection with quarterback Geno Smith has appeared to be seamless.
Smith-Njigba was not the only Seahawks receiver to make head-turning plays in camp, as fellow wide receiver DK Metcalf continued to present his impressive athletic abilities. The addition of Smith-Njigba will take attention away from Metcalf, making him due for a career year in this year’s Seahawks’ “triple threat” offense.
Another receiver who looked to be coming into his own was Dee Eskridge. Eskridge is a former second-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2021 and has been an utter disappointment.
After previously receiving praise from Smith and having the best camp of his career, Eskridge was battling to be Seattle’s fourth receiver and ultimately inching closer to a breakout.
However, back in February, Eskridge was involved in a domestic violence incident, ultimately found to have violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Eskridge is now faced with a six-game suspension, making him eligible to return in week eight.
When it comes to the backfield, the Seahawks’ injury bug hit Seattle’s running back room as star running back Kenneth Walker III suffered a groin injury — an injury that is known to be easily reaggravated. Fellow running back Zach Charbonnet also injured his shoulder but is said to return to action.
Some more minor injuries to keep track of ahead of the preseason is Witherspoon’s hamstring, Darrell Taylor’s sprained left shoulder and Tyler Lockett’s undisclosed injury.
On a brighter note, the Seahawks removed cornerback Tariq Woolen from the physically unable to perform, or PUP, list — a clear sign of the corner working toward a full recovery after receiving knee surgery.
All in all, the Seahawks’ training camp has been a success with bright spots all around the field and expectations higher than ever heading into the regular season.
Contact Eric Hayrapetian at Eric.hayrapetian@gmail.com
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