The "Seahawks Sleepers" series is a flurry of quick scouting reports on some players that I've identified as potential targets for Seattle. My goal with this series is to highlight a few players that John Schneider, Pete Carroll and their scouting team might be interested in, and to give a brief synopsis as to why. For the most part, I'm high on the guys that I'll be pointing out - and I'll be monitoring them during the Draft and in Rookie Free Agency. Also, for the most part, these are mid- to later-round prospects, because let's be honest, you're probably sick of reading about first- and second-round type guys.
G/T Manase Foketi, W. Texas A&M - 6'5, 318
Foketi is a mountain of a man that played exclusively at left tackle in his college career. When watching his tape, he really reminded me of Andre Smith in the way that he moves - smooth, controlled, and quicker-footed than you'd expect for a man that size. Foketi was the 2012 recipient of the Gene Upshaw Division II Offensive Lineman of the Year and ended up at West Texas A&M after a transfer from Kansas.
When you watch the tape above, it's important to note that he was playing against DIV-II players, but it's also important to note that he pretty much dominated at that level. Foketi has some questions to answer about his transfer to WTAMU and he pulled out of the East-West Shrine Game with an injury so scouts might have to do their homework on him prior to the Draft. Nonetheless, I'd project him as a swing tackle or guard prospect for the Seahawks and you know how much Tom Cable values a guy that can play two positions.
Foketi was slow in his workout drills, but has 34.5" arms and massive 10.6" hands that will help in engaging defensive linemen. He slides well off the snap to seal defensive ends on run plays and he mirrors in pass pro.
He's a late-round (7th) or UDFA type of prospect, reportedly.
Why Seattle?
The Seahawks have seemed to target former blue-chip recruits and/or recent big-school transfers that have seen their stock fall in recent months or seasons. Foketi fits that profile, and he also fits as an enormous man with quick feet for Tom Cable's power zone scheme.
Video courtesy of the excellent DraftBreakdown.