Lawrence Jackson - defensive end
One of the more disappointing aspects of the 2008 Seahawks wasn't so much things they couldn't help, e.g. injuries, but the things they could. Falling into that category was the poor play of rookie first-rounder Lawrence Jackson.
After starting the season with promise as a starter, he would eventually be relegated to the bench by week seven and finish the year with just 29 tackles and two sacks.
But don't label him a bust quite yet. He's shown the drive and ability to improve this offseason. And with his blend of talents, the Seahawks defense could benefit greatly from his contributions.
To continue...
Stopping the run
It's not something one often thinks about when looking at defensive ends, but stopping the run is an important function, especially for those operating on the strong side.
For Jackson, this aspect of his game proved to be a strength, which it should be given his 6-foot-4 271-pound frame.
With Patrick Kerney out late last season to injury, Jackson proved himself to be an invaluable asset in run defense, one thing the 2008 Seahawks weren't terrible at.
While a disappointment as a pass rusher both at end and tackle, his ability to seal the edge against the rush is something his rival to start, Darryl Tapp, has always lacked.
Potential
It can be a scary word. It's been thrown around to describe every player who took up a roster spot but never amounted to anything.
But if the 2009 Seahawks defense is going to be effective, it's going to need the individual players along the front seven to live up to their potential.
Jackson is at the top of that list. With his blend of size and speed, the 'Hawks have a player capable of doing it all from the defensive end position.
While Jackson will never be amongst the league leaders in sacks, ala Kerney, he needs to at least be a threat on first and second downs. Around eight-to-10 sacks should be the goal.
Front-seven pressure
While the Seahawks should blitz more this year than they have in the past, pressure still needs to come from the front four, so the linebackers can concentrate on coverage.
If Jackson can't provide that pressure then Seattle will have to start Tapp, making the rush defense suffer.
There should be no doubt that Jackson is the ideal candidate to start alongside Kerney at defensive end. The only question is whether he'll step up the way Seattle needs him to.
Number 1 - Jim L. Mora
Number 2 - Chris Spencer
Number 3 - Julius Jones
Number 4 - Gus Bradley
Number 5 - Brian Russell
Number 7 - Deon Butler
Number 8 - Ken Lucas
Number 9 - Leroy Hill
Number 10 - Brandon Mebane
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
