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Seahawks Post Draft - More Undrafted Free Agents to Watch: Offensive Linemen

Though we used our first two picks on offensive linemen, the Hawks lack depth at guard and center and wouldn't be hurting themselves to pick up a tackle or two for depth if Tyler Polumbus or Stacy Andrews aren't back in 2011. Their backups at the moment are mostly unproven and plucked from practice squads league-wide, so at this point I'm not sure how much they figure into the front office's plans. 

Here are a few you should keep an eye on in the next few days and weeks, I'll include a short synopsis of skills/knocks based on what I see and take from multiple scouting reports on each player from outlets like the NFL Combine PageCBSSportsFFtoolboxSideline Scouting, and more. 

USC Center Kristofer O'Dowd

O'Dowd will be possibly one of the more sought after offensive linemen once free agency starts. He was originally projected to the mid rounds, anywhere from the 3rd round on. He most likely fell out of the draft altogether due to his history with injuries and surguries, but he has a strong connection to Pete Carroll so could very well be on the Seahawks' radar to bring in for depth and/or to compete for a spot. He's got good size for the interior line at 6'4, 303 and has long arms to use for leverage against defenders. He's a good anchor against the bull rush and is athletic enough to play either guard or center. With Max Unger in the mix for center but lacking any true depth there, O'Dowd would be a cheap talent to bring in for depth and could really surprise some people by winning a starting spot. He'll need to stay healthy, but at this point he's a low-cost risk for the Hawks.

Star-divide

East Carolina OT Willie Smith

Two-time All-Conferance USA OT Willie Smith is an intriguing prospect because of his raw athleticism - he excels in lateral agility and pass blocking and has the power to run block. He lacks experience on the offensive side of the ball as he switched from the defensive end spot after his freshman year. He's 6'5, 300 and according to his CBS Sports Draft Profile has one of the highest ceilings of any offensive tackle in the draft. He's got long arms and strong hands but is raw and needs to be coached up on some bad habits. He possesses the physical attributes to make it in the NFL though, so I could see the Hawks taking him at this point as a flyer and hoping that his athleticism will translate to the next level. 

Connecticut OG Zach Hurd

Hurd is an imposing physical prospect at 6'7, 325 that excels on the run and was a real road-grader for the Huskies his last few seasons. A team captain, All-Big East selection his senior year, he's extremely durable and plays with tenacity and a ferocity. This can also be his downfall as he struggles at times with his football instincts. If Tom Cable feels that he could be coached up on some of the intricacies of the ZBS, Hurd could be a good prospect, considering his athleticism and ability to drive block while keeping his pads low off the snap. The Seahawks have lacked any ability to move the defensive line off the snap in the past year or two so a powerful guard like Hurd could be attractive to this front office. 

Ohio State OG Justin Boren

As long as we're beefing up the interior line with Big-10 linemen like John Moffitt, why not invest in some depth with a guy like Justin Boren. At 6'3, 320, he's a powerful drive-blocking guard with a chip on his shoulder. Just looking at pictures of this guy, he looks mean and I could see Cable warming to him. He's violent off the snap and has strong hands; he's good in the run but also shows ability to hold up against the bull rush. Even the typically condescending and critical writer for the NFL combine profiles gives him high marks and states he'll likely start at guard in the NFL. Puts in good effort and plays with a mean streak. 

Virginia Union OT David Mims

Another high-potential guy based on unique size and athleticism. He stands 6'8 and weighs in at 337 but carries the weight well. He's got long arms and good lateral agility in pass protection. Is a solid run blocker and has good strength. He was a bit of a sleeper darling among some draftniks after his pro day but surprisingly went undrafted. Someone will take him based on his potential upside.

Missouri C Tim Barnes

Physical, agile, and adept at getting to the next level to block. Barnes could be a good fit in the ZBS due to his combination of mobility and size. He's 6'4, 300 and played center at Missouri but could bump over to guard if need be. Good flexibility and football intelligence, and excellent upper body strength. Barnes is one guy I could really see the Hawks zeroing in on. 

Others: OG Carl Johnson, Florida; OG Ray Dominguez, Arkansas

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These guys could be good fits for us

Owdowd especially. Would love to see one of these for DL.

by seattl on May 2, 2011 4:24 PM PDT reply actions  

Odowd would be nice

I kinda thought we would use a 7th on him because I think he has a better chance to be a starter eventually than most 7th rounders.

Im hoping carroll and him have an understanding that if he didnt get drafted he could come here and compete for a job.

by briwas101 on May 2, 2011 5:35 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

Nice Tie In To the Article In April

Nice Tie to the article in april, you had em then as look at type prospects. Nice work Danny.

by JRock419 on May 2, 2011 5:00 PM PDT reply actions  

Barnes really can only play center

"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin

by dcrockett17 on May 2, 2011 5:55 PM PDT reply actions  

I played football in high school

but don’t really know what it takes for somebody to play the different positions in the NFL.

I’m assuming tackles need to have lateral quickness to stop the edge rush and long arms to help engage. Being tall also helps with this. Guards need to be stronger and probably should be a little shorter to get leverage on the beefier DT. Centers are kind of like guards but need to be a little smarter because they are in charge of blocking assignments. Are there major attributes I am missing?

by Edgar for Pres on May 2, 2011 6:59 PM PDT reply actions  

Sometimes a guy

can have all the physical attributes you look for and may even look like a star in practice but when it comes game time he just can’t cut it. He may jump offsides too often, miss blocking assignment’s, or may just be to weak/slow to face premier player’s in this league.

by alexander_37 on May 3, 2011 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions  

Odowd at center looks good.

Boren at OG looks good too. I like the mean streak he show. Definitely fitting for Cable’s line.

by FisteeFisterer on May 2, 2011 7:21 PM PDT reply actions  

Not specifically, no

But there’s a limit to the number of players you can have under contract at any point in the off-season. The summer camp limit is 80 guys, so the limit to your UDFAs is determined by the veteran and rookie drafts you have under contract. And you’ll have to let people go if you bring in a new UDFA.

by Thomas Beekers on May 2, 2011 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Been wondering about Unger's play for awhile now.

He looked like he was just getting ragdolled out there. Anyone?

by bleedshawkblue on May 3, 2011 11:09 AM PDT reply actions  

he looked bad at guard where

his lack of size was taken advantage of often. At center he’s a coach on the field and a very technical blocker that can contribute quite a bit. He’s a very good center but sub-par guard because of a lack of size. He’s fast and has very quick feet to deal with quick guys or double team/crack down. He wont win many battles in “the phone booth” because he just is not large enough for that. (odd considering he’s massive by normal standards)

by PA hawkfan on May 3, 2011 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

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