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Danno's avatar

O-LINE Battles…. Back on June 13th SSJ wrote an article titled “Position Battle Primer.” You mentioned the battle at center between Olu and Sundell, and the battle at RG between Bradford/Haynes/Laumea. I commented the important thing is that we put our five best O-linemen out there. If Olu is one of them, then Sundell needs to be in the battle at RG as I feel he could realistically be one of the five best linemen as well. Today Sundell took significant snaps at RG and some at Center. This seemed to surprise many of the people reporting on the practice, but I am glad to see it. I feel good we will get the best 5 out there on the field. I’ve commented before that Sundell should have been the starting right guard after his performance in the Green Bay game last year where he came in for an injured Olu and looked better against a very good Green Bay front that either Bradford/Haynes or Laumea looked all year against anyone.

Prediction 1 … K9 looked healthy and strong today. If he can stay healthy, we may not see him in the preseason games, but he will rock in a big way this season and help propel the Seahawks to the NFC west title and a strong playoff performance.

Prediction 2 … Horton looks healthy and I predict he will look so good MVS does not make the final 53.

Prediction 3 … Klint Kubiak is going to be fine, mighty fine. 2400+ rushing yards this year and a very effective ball control offense that will complement a top notch defense.

Prediction 4 … Milroe will look like 6 million dollars in preseason games. Lock will look like a million, and Darnold will have the system down and ready to give the 49ers a beating in week 1

Prediction 5 …. In his press conference today MM gave the impression he expects to contend for a championship this year. I know that could be labeled as coach speak, but J Reed made similar comments in his interview, as did Ernest Jones. If the coaches and team BELIEVE they’re Super Bowl contenders, I’m getting on that bus. Don’t be left behind!

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Chris H's avatar

My questions/thoughts/expectations....

- Sundell wins a spot, either at center or RG. He's a little light to be a bully, but I don't think this is a bully offense. It's a run and get to your spot, setup your angle, and get to your guy. I think this plays into what he does best.

- After Sundell, I'm not confident in who will win the other open spot. I don't think it will be Bradford. After the pads come on things will, as Mike MacDonald phrases it, declare themselves.

- If you look at the 90 man roster, look at that list of WR's (12 of them!). Holy smoke! Competition indeed. Horton will be on the 53 barring injury, as of course will JSN and Kupp. MVS, although perhaps not a lock, will likely be. After that who knows. Bobo has a great shot due to his special teams play and very good blocking ability (which is a must for Kubiak). But Bobo will be pushed hard by other options.

- Back to Horton, he may not be competing with MVS at all for a roster spot. If they see him as more of a flanker (rather than an x receiver) then he may get used quite differently. We'll see in preseason.

- I'll predict that Arroyo is a revelation right from the jump. You'll see a lot of him in preseason. He's a 250 lb problem, with speed and hands and YAC ability. Expect to read a lot about him as the practices ramp up.

- iLB is still a question for me after Jones and Knight. I could see a move there at some point, depending on how they feel about Drake Thomas and Josh Ross.

- Speaking of iLB's, I'm looking forward to seeing D'Eryk Jackson in the preseason. He has good speed and can run and hit. He might be one of the UDFA's that pop early.

- That we will see a lot of Milroe in the preseason is hardly a hot take. And normally a 3rd round rookie will struggle a bit early on. I think he'll look better than expected. More poised, more polished than many likely expect. I think the 'buzz' for this kid will build quickly. He's not a threat to Darnold this year, but I think he'll build enough trust with Kubiak that he'll see the field in games.

- I've read that many folks are expecting the defense to look well ahead of the offense, at least early in camp. I think the offense will look very competitive as soon as the pads come on. The only thing holding them back early on will be the juggling on the o-line. Once that gets sorted out (and it seems like MacDonald is keen on having that sorted out sooner than later) I think they will more than hold their own against the defense......which will be good for the defense.

- I've already mentioned Arroyo and Milroe, but I also think Emmanwori and Zabel will solidify themselves early. They will make mistakes, but like Knight last year, they will steadily improve. If these 4 are good in year 1, watch out next year.

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