Seahawks sign T Caylin Hauptmann off of Browns practice squad

The Seahawks have officially announced the signing of T Caylin Hauptmann, which corresponds with the decision to place Russell Okung on the Injured Reserve with eligible for return designation. Hauptmann is an undersized tackle/guard that Seattle grabbed off of Cleveland's practice squad. He had been playing guard for the Browns during the preseason, though it looks like Seattle lists him as a tackle, which is where he started 37 games for Florida International over the past few seasons.

Hauptmann apparently had his pick of UCLA, Texas, Washington and Oregon after making waves as one of the top junior college offensive linemen, but instead chose Florida International. He hails from Beverly Hills so my guess is that Pete Carroll knows him from his time recruiting at USC, or at least knows of him, and the undersized (6'3, 300) lineman is also a former "karate proficient" that threw shot put during his year at College of the Canyons.

Said Hauptmann - "Karate was my thing. I competed in it nationally and internationally for seven years, going to places like Spain and Germany before choosing to devote myself entirely to football my junior year of high school."

He went undrafted this year but signed on with the Browns. I'm guessing he fits Tom Cable's mold of linemen in that he is, as Cable put it over the offseason, "tough, smart, pretty quick."

Here's Hauptmann's NFL.com Draft Profile:

STRENGTHS

Tough lineman with a thick overall build. Solid pass pro set, has good bend and lateral agility, and can widen and anchor to stay out of the quarterback's way. Uses powerful arms to control ends trying to bull him off the edge, can reset quickly if his man tries to move him up top. Possesses foot quickness to reach linebackers, block down on five-techs and bounce out to cut off rushing linebackers. Will extend his arms and keep his feet moving to sustain blocks through the whistle to prevent backside pursuit or seal the end of the line. Not satisfied with catching targets, will attack them and stay on the block. Recovers well to hustle back to his man if missing a target at the second level or overextending in pass pro. Moves his feet to take three-techs out of the play on reach blocks. Sees blitzers coming off the edge, will come cut them off if the blocking scheme allows or let the quarterback know he needs to get the ball away fast.

WEAKNESSES

Only average size and length for a tackle, lacks experience at guard at the major college level. Allows his man to get his hands into his chest too often instead of getting his own hands up to gain control. Aggressive style will lead him to overextend at times. Good, but not elite, agility in space, relies on hustle more than pure athleticism. Will need to prove his explosiveness and hand usage coming from a three-point stance, mostly standing up in FIU's offense.

NFL COMPARISON

Frank Omiyale

The Frank Omiyale comparison is pretty funny, considering Omiyale was one of Seattle's backup tackles last season, but it's also apt in that Omiyale was considered too short to play tackle at the NFL level at 6'4, but managed to stick in the league for eight years. Seattle has also tested 6'3 Alvin Bailey at tackle this year so apparently Cable doesn't necessarily subscribe to the typical height restrictions of around 6'5 or taller at that position.

Regardless, Hauptmann will stick with the Seahawks for a minimum of three weeks per NFL rules. It'll be interesting to see if he sticks around for longer.