Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Monday, Aug. 9 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
NFL Media: Alton Robinson 'Poised' For Breakout Season
The Seahawks' 2020 draftees faced more challenges than any draft class in recent history. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the league into an unorthodox offseason, with virtual meetings, OTAs and minicamp. Once training camp rolled around, rookies still had limited time for in-person meetings and interaction with teammates and coaches.
Through all of that, Alton Robinson emerged as a steal based on his fifth-round draft position. The Syracuse alum totaled four sacks, 21 total tackles and a forced fumble while playing 14 games, starting just once. Robinson got better as the season progressed, picking up two sacks and a forced fumble over the final three regular season games as Seattle went 3-0.
With a full season and a more "normal" offseason under his belt, Robinson has an opportunity to get even better in Year 2. NFL.com analyst Brian Baldinger recognized Robinson's potential when he listed eight players in the trenches (O-line or D-line) who are “poised” for a breakout in their second season.
Here's what Baldinger wrote about Robinson:
"The Seahawks have been searching for pass rushers in the worst way since the departures of Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett after the 2017 season. They attempted to fill the void by drafting L.J. Collier in the first round of the 2019 draft and paying Jadeveon Clowney big money, but to no avail. Robinson, a fifth-round pick out of Syracuse, flashed in limited action last season, playing 29 percent of the team's defensive snaps while making one start. Yet, he found a way to get to the quarterback, tallying four sacks. Most defensive linemen take a full year -- sometimes more -- to learn the pro game. I expect Robinson, despite a lot of competition at the LEO spot, to step up in 2021 based on the movement and how he escaped the clutches of his opponents a year ago."
Seahawks, USAA Host 'Salute To Service NFL Boot Camp'
The Seahawks and USAA partnered to host the "Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp" on Sunday after the Seahawks' mock game at Lumen Field. USAA is the official Salute to Service partner of the Seahawks.
More than 100 U.S. Navy service members attended the mock game, and 50 of the members participated in boot camp drills on the field after practice. The service members are all from local bases -- Naval Station Everett, Bangor Naval Base, Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Sunday's boot camp represented the evolution of military appreciation events that the Seahawks and USAA have created to foster an understanding and appreciation for the local military community. Service members were able to participate in traditional NFL Combine drills, including the 40-yard dash, cone drills, vertical jump, receiving gauntlet and QB arm challenge, among others.
The Seattle Seahawks and USAA hosted 100 members of the US Navy for an on-field combine after the August 8th mock game practice at Lumen Field.
Social Post Of The Day
Seahawks defensive tackle Poona Ford had the highlight of the day at the Seahawks' mock game when he scooped up a fumbled and scored a touchdown:
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle with injury updates and six takeaways after Sunday's mock game.
Also at Seahawks.com, Morgan Jenkins wrote about 12s returning to Lumen Field for the mock game.
Larry Stone of the Seattle Times on how the mock game showed how Russell Wilson and Shane Waldron are clicking.
Dave Wyman of 710 ESPN Seattle highlighted five Seahawks players that don’t get talked about enough.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic with 11 takeaways from the mock game.
The Seattle Seahawks faced off against each other in a mock game at Lumen Field on Sunday, August 8. Gallery updated throughout the practice.