Seattle took a step toward retaining depth along the offensive line today by locking up offensive tackle Ray Willis, 26, for two more years.
After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Willis rode the bench for three seasons before injuries to starters Rob Sims and Sean Locklear gave him 10 starts last season.
In those starts, "Big Die Slow" proved himself to be one of the best run blockers on the team and not a bad pass blocker either.
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Willis gave up only 1.5 sacks last season and should provide competition at right guard, where he started much of the season in place of Sims, who was out for the season after only one game.
However, at 6-foot-6, Willis is a more natural right tackle, and it's uncertain whether he has the athleticism to be a permanent fixture at guard.
The transition to a zone-blocking scheme also hurts his chances as great strength is one of his best assets, an asset not as valuable in zone as it is in man blocking.
Still, it is only a two-year deal for a young and promising lineman, who has already proven himself to be a valuable commodity to the team. It also lessens the need for immediate help at offensive line via the draft.
For a look at what may have happened had Seattle not re-signed Willis, click here.
So far this free agency, Seattle has addressed every hole on the roster and can truly draft for best player available with the fourth overall pick without worrying about need.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
