Dockery showed promise as a Redskin,
then signed one of the most lucrative
deals for a guard in NFL history.
Seattle’s offensive-line situation wasn’t exactly ideal in 2008; they lost all five starters to injury. Guard Rob Sims played one game before being placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle, and guard Mike Wahle lasted until week 10, when he suffered a shoulder injury, ending his season.
With the impending release of Bills guard Derrick Dockery, the Seahawks could potentially look to Dockery to upgrade either the much-maligned false-start prone Wahle, or Sims, 26, who’s coming off a wasted year.
But would the top-ranked unrestricted free agent guard upgrade a position still searching for consistency?
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Dockery was signed to the third largest contract for the guard position in NFL history when the Bills picked him up in 2007 after making a name for himself with the Redskins.
The good
One thing Dockery would bring to the Seahawks is zone-blocking experience. He also is a decent, if not overwhelming, run blocker. The Bills line has allowed Marshawn Lynch to shine in recent years. That may be where the positives end.
The bad
He had an above average year in 2007, but his effort didn’t match his contract. In 2008, he regressed badly to being a terrible pass protector. To put this into perspective, Bills LT Jason Peters gave up the most sacks in the NFL but still made the pro bowl. Why? Because people realized it was Dockery’s fault. Dockery gave up 8.25 while Peters gave up 11.5.
His run blocking remained average, but occasionally, his effort lacked. One reason why Wahle isn’t a fan favorite is because of his procedural penalties. Dockery wouldn’t quell the outcries as he has committed 27 false starts and 16 holds since 2003. He led the league in false starts in 2006.
Conclusion
The once promising guard seems to be on the downfall, although at 28, he would seem to have a few good years left in him. However, Dockery will have to earn his way back to having a decent contract, after slacking upon being paid. Ruskell will not take a chance on this guard.
