One year ago, DT Red Bryant was the toast of the Seahawks 2008 draft. With neither Lawrence Jackson nor John Carlson the most sexy of picks, Bryant was the wild card fourth-round pick who could be Seattle's next mid-round find.
But he couldn't stay healthy as a rookie and managed only eight tackles in four games. This offseason, he was the forgotten man by most in Seattle's defensive line rotation.
My how things change. Now, after a great showing during the team's latest mini-camp, Bryant is once again the topic of conversation.
To continue...
So if his rookie season is to be considered a mulligan then let's treat him like a rookie and go through the scouting report to see if he's ready to start.
From Scout's Inc.
Strengths: Shows good initial quickness for size, aggressive and makes the occasional play in the backfield. Has excellent bulk, though inconsistent in this area can stay low to the ground and is stout at the point of attack . . . Has excellent size and can anchor when teams run at him. Flashes an effective rip move and shows a good not great motor when rushing the passer. Gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback, times jumps well and excels at tipping passes.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal closing speed . . . Takes too long to change directions, doesn't show a wide variety of pass rush moves and doesn't force offensive linemen to redirect in pass protection . . . Doesn't always use hands to protect legs and struggles to fight over cut blocks. Lacks ideal range and isn't going to make many plays in pursuit. Gets too caught up in individual battles, takes too long to locate the ball carrier and gets caught out of position at times.
Overall: Bryant doesn't have ideal closing speed or athletic ability but he has the quickness, size and toughness to develop into an excellent run stuffer and adequate interior pass rusher if he can stay healthy and sharpen his technique. He projects as an early second-day pick.
Because of his size and space-eating ability, Bryant was projected by most pundits to be a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. He carried a second round grade with most.
Instead, the 'Hawks took him for their 4-3, desperate for some help in run defense in the wake of Marcus Tubbs' early retirement from injury.
Now, recently acquired Colin Cole has been brought in to fill that hole, leaving Bryant with an uphill battle for playing time.
Bryant has a nice story with his connection to Seahawks legend Jacob Green, but he's yet to prove anything on the football field for Seattle.
It wasn't until his senior year that Bryant had a breakout season for the Aggies, but the 'Hawks may need his breakout in the NFL sooner.
Bryant has plenty of talent and upside, and he should be a valuable player in the line rotation. But it may take some time before he can rightfully line up beside Brandon Mebane as the anchor he needs to be for Seattle's defense.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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