Damien Lewis makes PFWA’s 2020 All-Rookie Team

One of the bright spots along the Seattle Seahawks offensive line was rookie Damien Lewis. The third-rounder out of LSU started every game for the Seahawks in 2020, including one as backup center for the injured Ethan Pocic, and exceeded expectations.

Lewis’ instant success has captured the attention of the Pro Football Writers of America, who put him in their 2020 All-Rookie Team alongside tackles Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills Jr, center Lloyd Cushenberry III, and left guard Mike Onwenu.

Wirfs and Wills both went in the opening round of the NFL Draft, whereas Lewis and Cushenberry were both third-round choices, and Onwenu really impressed as a sixth-round choice by the New England Patriots.

No other Seahawks made it on either offense or defense, and it’s not like there was a strong case for more inclusion anyway. I suppose Jordyn Brooks had a shot if he wasn’t injured to start the season and didn’t have such a limited role on the team until roughly after the bye week, but that’s no big deal. There’s every reason to be excited about Brooks’ potential based on what he showed late in the season.

Circling back to Lewis, it’s extremely encouraging that the Seahawks seemingly hit on a starting offensive lineman right away. I don’t think Seattle really has a whole lot of time to hope for guys to develop 3-4 years down the line like, say, Garrett Bolles in Denver. The Seahawks may end up retooling this offensive line in the offseason given Duane Brown’s age, Mike Iupati’s health, and Ethan Pocic’s free agency, but Lewis figures to be here for the long-term.