For the first time in years, there’s a growing sense of optimism surrounding the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line.
That optimism extends to general manager John Schneider.
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During a media session on Wednesday, Schneider was asked what part of the roster he feels better about right now compared to this time last year.
“Oh man, I think it has to be the offensive line,” Schneider said. “But it has to be more the unit and the cohesiveness of the group than guys individually.”
There’s certainly reason to believe the Seahawks’ oft-criticized O-line could be much-improved this fall.
Rookie left guard Grey Zabel, the team’s first-round draft pick, is a definite upgrade on the interior. Right guard Anthony Bradford looks poised for a third-year breakout after an impressive preseason. Right tackle Abraham Lucas appears to be as healthy as he’s been since his standout 2022 rookie campaign. Jalen Sundell also looks primed to take over the center job from Olu Oluwatimi, which would give the team three new starters from last year’s season-opening O-line.
And perhaps most importantly, the Seahawks brought in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who installed a tried-and-true Shanahan-style system that centers on a wide-zone blocking scheme and play-action passing. They also added veteran offensive line coach John Benton, who has more than two decades of NFL O-line coaching experience.
The changes certainly were evident in the preseason, especially during an especially crisp opening touchdown drive against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“It comes back to the developers, the teachers,” Schneider said. “There’s an attitude they can have in the scheme where they can come off the ball and feel confident about themselves.”
Schneider also noted a growing camaraderie among the offensive linemen.
“They’re spending a lot of time together,” Schneider said. “I think you’ve seen a lot of growth within the group. There’s a camaraderie that’s starting to come together. And that’s the whole team, not just the offensive line. But that group’s (in particular) a group you like to see spending a lot of time together, because they have to work as one.”
However, Schneider hinted the Seahawks could still look to bolster their backup O-line depth.
“Like every other position, we’re gonna keep trying to work it,” Schneider said. “We’ll be looking at practice squads, looking at tryout guys, trades, whatever we have to do. We’ll be continuing to work that position. But this group in particular that’s here right now, they’re doing a really nice job.”
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