E.J. Wilson and the Future of Lawrence Jackson

by John Morgan on Aug 1, 2010 11:15 AM PDT

It is easy to see what Tim Ruskell saw in Lawrence Jackson: Jackson is a great kid with good tools. At times, he has flashed those tools, but on balance, Jackson has disappointed. His rookie season was putrid, punctuated by jogging through plays and then being benched. His sophomore season started better, but when the Seahawks started losing, Jackson vanished. I will not play junior psychoanalyst, but Pete Carroll doesn't have that luxury. He must guess both the ability and the motivation of his young player, and, well, I don't guess Carroll sees much of a future for Jackson -- at least not in Seattle.

If ability and effort were not enough to spell his demise, Jackson is now a scheme misfit, displaced at left defensive end and, presumably, displaced from both the left defensive end and Leo rotation. He has nowhere to play. And E.J. Wilson is a big part of that:

ROOKIE WATCH

E.J. Wilson. His weight is up (to 292 pounds). His body fat is down (to 17 percent from 20). It’s a combination that definitely seems to be paying off for the rookie defensive end from North Carolina, who flashed quickness and power this afternoon.

During one drill, the fourth-round draft choice met running back Julius Jones just as he was hitting what should have been a hole and also flushed Losman from the pocket to force an incomplete pass. In a later drill, the disruptive Wilson forced Losman to fumble.

Jackson is too thick and slow to play Leo and too slight and movable to play left defensive end. Carroll has spoken a bit about Jackson bulking up, but with practice now underway, Jackson seems noticeably absent from media coverage.

Jackson could play situational end in nickel situations. That is a highly reduced role, but it plays to his ability. I think it's very possible that a trade is in store. Jackson could find a home somewhere. Somewhere that takes advantage of his good awareness, good tools and, should he ever find himself, still good potential. It seems increasingly unlikely that place is Seattle.

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Let's trade him for Tapp...

by DJ C-Raig on Aug 1, 2010 11:30 AM PDT reply actions

Boo.

by djafrot on Aug 1, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions

sigh

Another garbage pick wasted if what your saying is true. Hopefully lawrence turnw it around

by Bruto56 on Aug 1, 2010 11:42 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

Not wasted if we can get anything of value in a trade.

by Hopefulmsfan on Aug 1, 2010 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions

It's not going to be a first rounder.

So, pretty much a waste.

by purplepansy on Aug 1, 2010 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe Chicago would trade us a third for LJ.

Timmy might want to prove something. Nice to hear EJ Wilson is looking quick.

by broadbill birdwatcher on Aug 1, 2010 11:53 AM PDT reply actions

I like this

Timmy would probably make that trade

by ErictheHawksFan on Aug 1, 2010 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions

After losing Gaines Adams and Alex Brown, it certainly would seem plausible.

Red Bryant: surprise us!

by Misfit74 on Aug 2, 2010 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions

nice idea

I think John’s right. Ever since Carroll started describing his defense, I’ve been thinking LoJack had no position here. He must still have some value based on his draft status. Receiving any value for him would be a good move.

"Football players are temperamental. That's 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental." - Doug Plank

by Stevo's on Aug 1, 2010 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions

If we could get draft picks for him I'd pull the trigger

And Deon Branch and JJ. Lets get some stockpiling going for next years QB bonanza and the trading up that will have to happen.

by stufr on Aug 1, 2010 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

John, are you attending these practices?

What are you thought about how Wilson looked?

I'm gonna go calm submissive on your ass.

by Dukeshire on Aug 1, 2010 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

Considering Jackson played at USC under Carroll in the same or similar

system, how does he not fit anywhere here? i understand the college and professional games are different when it comes to talent, ability and size….is this just a lack of size in comparison to offensive tackles he would be lining up against?

by sdoebele on Aug 1, 2010 9:20 PM PDT reply actions

Lack of bulk, lack of nasty

Shortly after Carroll was hired and was then grilled by the media, the topic of Lawrence Jackson came up. Carroll stated that Jackson needed to stop trying to be so much of a finesse guy, and more of a down and dirty, rugged run defender. He also said that he wanted Jackson to stack on more lbs., but unless the roster at .com is inaccurate, he hasn’t added a single pound to his frame, and I believe this is probably the biggest reason for him landing in Carroll’s doghouse. I think it’s safe to say that L.J. is one of the few players who hasn’t bought in.

by Catoblepas on Aug 2, 2010 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions

You're not going to see real time updates of LoJack's weight online.

by Nate Dogg on Aug 2, 2010 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Why is that?

I’ve seen reports on many other players who’ve either added or lost weight. Maybe Morgan or someone else who’s been to TC and had their eye on Jackson can clarify whether or not he looks thicker than he was last year. I’m having a hard time seeing it any other the way than L.J. simply failed to put those extra lbs. on like Carroll wanted; which is why Red Bryant is starting now and why L.J. is in a fight with E.J. Wilson to be Red’s backup.

by Catoblepas on Aug 3, 2010 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Seems like he had plenty of bulk for the college game, and got pushed around in the pros.

He’s a decent player, and decent DEs don’t grow on trees, but too slow for the Leo, and maybe too small for the bulky monster personified by Red Bryant. Hope it works, and quality depth is underrated, so I hope he sticks.

by bleedshawkblue on Aug 2, 2010 5:42 PM PDT reply actions