5 way-too-early training camp takes

TRAINING CAMP IS UPON US AND IT’S ALREADY TIME FOR SOME WAY-TOO-EARLY TAKES...it’s the reward for navigating the overreaction crocodiles.

D.K. Metcalf confirmed #good

This wouldn’t be a training camp reactions article without a D.K. Metcalf video. After footage of him trying out a mid-route stutter in Mexico provoked some truly moronic responses, Metcalf showcased another nice move in Day 1.

Metcalf is going to be good, horrifically bad 3-cone time be damned! His offseason route work with wide receiver guru Jerry Sullivan is clearly paying off. The receiver is gaining various moves to deploy against all kinds of coverage; this dead leg move, not unlike Doug Baldwin’s, will be handy against man coverage and matchers as a way of getting defenders opening the wrong way and winning to space. Hype overdrive is engaged!

There were plenty of tweets about Metcalf impressing throughout Day 1. Of course, after Friday, the defenders are allowed to contact offensive players. One of Metcalf’s strengths in college was getting off press; it will be fun to see if he can bully professional corners. (And for receivers who barely faced press, like Gary Jennings, this will be the greatest test.)

C.J. Prosise is finally getting cut

C.J. Prosise has the flu. In summer. And it’s so bad that he is unable to practice. It’s sad that the undoubted talent of Prosise has become a running joke for beat journalists and fans. It’s now more surprising to see Prosise actually practice.

The Seahawks will mysteriously place Prosise on the PUP list and try to trade him for a Day 3 pick. They should show clips of his amazing 2016 performances against New England and Philadelphia. Such showings grow ever more tantalizing.

In Week 10 at the Patriots, the now-25-year-old rushed 17 times for 66 yards and had 87 receiving yards. Visiting the Eagles in week 11, Prosise rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown off just 4 carries. But he then suffered a fractured scapula.

The passing down back competition looks strong with J.D. McKissic and sixth-round pick Travis Homer in the mix. Rashaad Penny also ran decent routes in college. Furthermore, Prosise’s pass pro ability has never stood out. Surely his pro-bowl as a future New England Patriot is due now?

Pass to McKissic on early downs

On the subject of McKissic, the Seahawks really should make more of his skillset. Brian Schottenheimer’s offense was better than many give him credit for, but--as The Athletic’s Sheil Kapeida illustrated--more can be done. Seattle was 23rd in first down DVOA, probably in part due to running the ball a league-high 50% of the time. Pass to McKissic and develop some intermediate options and YAC!

Wilson has never excelled at the shallow over-the-middle stuff. Nor has he been particularly good at throwing running back screens. But giving McKissic wheel routes and combining that with stick routes from Tight Ends would be sweet.

Bobby Wagner has the best “Seahawks” Jordans

Bobby Wagner, whose deal fellow linebacker K.J. Wright believes is “pretty much done,” was still doing his best Anakin Skywalker “kill the younglings” impression.

(It’s testament to Wagner’s leadership and importance to this defense that he is still attending practice)

Wagner’s incognito look did receive an upgrade though, with the 29-year-old sporting some Air Jordan 1s. I knew the Air Jordan 6 “Seahawks” were a thing, but these 1s are on a different level.

They’re a level of deadstock that has managed to avoid the usual re-selling sites. A more intense google reveals they are a drip-laden “cobalt blue and electric green” combination.

Chill on Ezekiel Ansah

Sure, training camp does provide really interesting nuggets and excellent competition. Yet for players coming off serious injuries, like Ezekiel Ansah or Will Dissly, this early stage of practice is about learning football movements again.

Nothing displayed this better than early defensive line drills. The entire DL appeared to be going slow in Clint Hurtt’s drill, but Ansah looked even more relaxed.

It’s great to see the recently added Defensive End practicing this early in the offseason after his serious shoulder injury. But expectations should not be altered; he’s going to take time to get into football shape. Interestingly, Carroll mentioned Ansah has slimmed down to 270lbs --suggesting he could be getting into a speedier frame for the wider rushing, LEO-role.