The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 182 snaps in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That was the most so far this season. This included two UDFAs contributing for the first time, with EDGE
Connor O’Toole (#57) and DL Jared Ivey (#51) taking 4 and 3 snaps, respectively.
All data used in this article was taken from PFF.
Let’s analyze some of the key plays from this win!
Grey Zabel, Offensive Guard (55 snaps)
The first-round pick still has his ups and downs. The positive side is that his mistakes haven’t caused major problems like a sack or fumble, and his good moments show signs of improvement and hope for the future.
According to PFF, he had the second-worst run-blocking grade on the team with 39.7, ahead of only the other rookie, Elijah Arroyo (38.5). Despite not yielding any pressure, he only managed a 56.5 pass-blocking grade, the second-worst among the team’s linemen, ahead of only Jalen Sundell (26.3) who had his worst game.
The Seahawks’ running game failed to get going in this game, and essentially each of the five in OL made mistakes that contributed to this lack of success.
Grey Zabel helps the center on the double-team and advances to the second level. He has the opportunity to block the LB (No. 0) and decides to make a cut-block, but fails to execute it. Note that if he had made this block, he would have left Ken Walker in the path of safety.
His mobility is good, but he misses the angle, and the LB manages to tackle JSN. PS: Look at Anthony Bradford punishing the defensive back at the second level.
The Jaguars call a stunt on the left side of the line. Zabel’s initial contact is poor, his feet and hands aren’t on the same page. He loses his balance after passing the defender to Charles Cross and receiving the edge. PS: Look at Anthony Bradford trying to help the center and missing the target at the end of the snap.
Good work by Zabel, alert to help one of his teammates, since there’s no opponent immediately in front of him. Good physicality to throw the DL to the ground. Please, more snaps with this physicality.
This was my favorite snap from Zabel. The DL tries to use a swipe move to get the OG’s hands out of the way. But he quickly repositions his hands inside Arik Armstead’s pads and manages to contain the momentum. Another positive point is his footwork, which always deserves attention. Short and quick steps, and he quickly gets in front of the DL. Lots of potential.
Nick Emmanwori, Defensive Back (70 snaps)
Emmanwori had another standout game. He led the team in tackles (9) and run stops (5), had two pressures, was targeted eight times, and gave up seven receptions and 31 yards. Other stats include:
- 2nd in Defense Grade;
- 2nd in Run Defense Grade;
- 5th in Pass Rush Grade;
- 1st in Coverage Grade;
His usage included four snaps on the DL, 18 in the box, and 48 in the slot. In fact, in Devon Witherspoon’s absence, Derion Kendrick played only two snaps this game.
Emmanwori has been doing well against screens. He’s not a guy who anticipates these types of plays, like KJ Wright, but he quickly overcomes his blocks. Here, he escapes from the TE and makes the tackle for a loss.
On this play, the Seahawks call a Tampa 2-invert with Emmanwori at deep safety. The play doesn’t work because Uchenna Nwosu commits offside, but the rookie shows a good drop in coverage and awareness of deep threats.
Emmanwori had some poor snaps in college, stopping the play when he wasn’t aligned in the box. On this play, he comes in with speed and manages to make the tackle quickly.
The rookie has trouble changing direction, perhaps the biggest area of improvement in his game. But on this play, he can anticipate what the TE is going to do and covers step by step. He still keeps his eyes on the ball and helps with the tackle.
This guy will be a nightmare as a blitzer given his athleticism. He needs to improve his timing coming off the snap. He’s usually hesitant, and notices the false step that takes away some of his speed and is essentially the difference between pressure and a sack.
He’s still a work in progress. He’s adapting to the role of playing more like a nickel and is improving overall. On this play, he gets lost between zones and covers no one, allowing the catch.
Elijah Arroyo, Tight End (25 snaps)
As mentioned when discussing Zabel, Arroyo had the team’s worst blocking rating for the run game with 38.5. He had only two targets and one reception for six yards.
Elijah Arroyo’s blocking is still up and down. On this play, he has to fake a block at No. 47 to give Eric Saubert (No. 81) time to arrive. After that, he has to advance to the second level and block No. 23, but misses the block, and the LB makes the tackle.
This play was a first down. He was one-on-one with the safety, and he has a good run off the line of scrimmage, avoiding No. 42’s contact, but as he cuts to the slant, he slips.
The Seahawks have started to use him more aligned as wide out. A good option, especially in man coverage situations. He uses physicality before the cut and still escapes the first tackle. The play wasn’t a good call for a third-and-long. Cooper Kupp and AJ Barner’s routes move into nearby zones, keeping defenders close, and this results in the tackle. Ideally, this would open up space for Arroyo to try for yards after the catch.
Jalen Milroe, Quarterback (0 snaps)
Inactive.
Rylie Mills, Defensive Lineman (0 snaps)
NFI List.
Tory Horton, Wide Receiver (25 snaps)
Only one target, and it wasn’t complete. He does a good job slowing down at the top of the route and faking the cut to the sideline, changing direction with the cornerback facing away after having been manipulated by Horton. The pass is a bit dangling, but I think Horton can improve his tracking and adjusting to the ball on deeper passes.
This play might go unnoticed due to JSN’s spectacular route at the bottom of the video. But Horton also makes the cornerback miss and is open on the play.
Robbie Ouzts, Fullback (0 snaps)
IR.
Bryce Cabeldue, Offensive Lineman (0 snaps)
No snaps.
Mason Richman, Offensive Lineman (0 snaps)
No snaps.
Final Thoughts
I believe the rookie class (those who are healthy) produced very close to what was projected this season. If Horton and Arroyo had produced well in this game, it probably would have been the best game of the class. In fact, Arroyo could have been used much more on short passes in the second half when the Seahawks didn’t produce any points after the touchdown.
