Sam’s Film Room: Ethan Pocic is a huge upgrade for Seahawks’ offensive line

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The NFL Draft is officially over and now it’s time to look at how the different players fit their new NFL teams. Ethan Pocic, a center the Seattle Seahawks drafted in the second round, was LSU’s most versatile player. Even though he played most of his college career at center (27 starts) , he also took snaps at left tackle (2 quarters), right tackle (1 start), and even at right guard (9 starts). In each of these positions, he excelled and used his large 6’6” body to block defenders.

As a prospect, Pocic is technically sound and he is an aggressive blocker. Where he struggles is that he loses leverage due to his size and he has average at best functional strength.

For his player comparison, I think he compares favorably to Brandon Linder from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Linder was chosen in the third round of 2014 NFL Draft and has been one of the top centers in the NFL since he entered the league. They are both about the same size and both are technically sound. Pocic is slightly more athletic, but he’s not as long nor as strong as Linder. Overall, I gave this pick a solid B+.

So, where do you think he will start next season?

Seattle has Justin Britt at center, but he’s entering the final year of his contract. Pocic would be a good replacement for Britt if they decide to let him walk. If I had to guess, I think Pocic will compete for the starting right guard or right tackle position with Germain Ifedi. Whoever wins this battle will play at the tackle position, while the other will play at the right guard position. This also kind of goes along with what Pete Carroll and John Schneider claimed in their press conference:

Based on my video, I think this was an excellent pick. Here is my Week 1 projection:

• Luke Joeckel at left tackle
• Mark Glowinksi at left guard
• Justin Britt at center
• Ethan Pocic at right guard
• Germain Ifedi at right guard (edit: right tackle)

Was Ethan Pocic worth a late second round pick? How do you think the offensive line will look next year?