Bryant (79) stands with Mebane
(92) during mini-camp. Seahawks.com
No one shone like second year man Red Bryant during today's early morning practice. The stout defensive tackle pushed aside the touted second rounder Max Unger and made short work of new OL addition Cory Withrow. In fact, Withrow ended up beheading Bryant's helmet because it was the only way Withrow could stop him.
The move didn't sit too well with Bryant, but Bryant's intensity and playmaking skills early in training camp have got to be sitting well with the defensive minded head coach Jim Mora.
To Continue...
Last season, Bryant was the sexy wild-card fourth round pick that impressed early in training camp. However, injuries practically ended his season before it began. Now Bryant is looking to get back into the fold in Seattle.
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 more playing time. However, that shouldn't be a problem with Seattle's heavy defensive line rotations and it doesn't hurt that Bryant has started so hot in camp.
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 Aaron Weinberg and Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
Posts
