Tre Brown vs. Everybody & Other Observations From Day 4 Of Seahawks Training Camp
News, notes and observations from the fourth practice of Seahawks Training camp.
The Seahawks held their fourth practice of training camp on Saturday, which will be followed by a day off on Sunday.
When the team returns to action, they'll not only be practicing in pads, but they'll also do so at an earlier time, with Monday's practice starting at 10 a.m. The reason for the change, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald explained, is twofold. For starters, it just helps break up the monotony of camp, but it also starts to get players ready for an early start, which is something they'll have to do three times this season with games at New England, Atlanta and the New York Jets all kicking off at 10 a.m. PT.
"The first thing is just so it's not monotonous, and the other thought is we have a couple east coast trips, where, 'Hey, guys, we've done it before, we've gotten after it, gotten activated and had a great day,' Macdonald said. "So just another set of confidence going into those east coast games."
Here are five observations from Saturday's practice:
1. Things will get real when the pads go on Monday.
With pads going on Monday, Macdonald said that practice will be "a good chance to evaluate where we are as a football team."
Plenty of learning and preparation can take place in a padless practice, but it's still not the same intensity, especially at the line of scrimmage, as when pads go on.
So what does Macdonald want to see on Monday?
"I want to feel us, man," he said. "I want to feel who's out there. I want to feel the physicality, and who's going to move people. We want to do it smart, we want to take care of one another, but we also got to sharpen it as well, so that's a challenge. It'll be our first practice in pads, understanding the expectations, but it'll be pretty clear when we get out here."
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Easop Winston Jr. shined at receiver.
It should come as no surprise that, a few days into camp, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have made a ton of plays, and 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been really good as well, but one of the standouts Saturday was a player who isn't nearly as well known to fans as those three: former Washington State standout Easop Winston Jr. A member of the practice squad last season, Winston Jr. had a strong preseason in 2023 and routinely shows off impressive pass-catching ability, so for those of us fortunate enough to take in practice, it isn't that surprising to see him have a good day. But on Saturday in particular, the ball came his way frequently leading to several catching, including a couple of spectacular grabs in the end zone, including a diving, one-handed grab late in practice.
Smith-Njigba was also a frequent target on Saturday, getting open deep a couple of times and also coming through with some nice catches in the red zone, though the best of his grabs was ruled incomplete as he secured the ball just out of bounds.
Overall, it has been a strong camp for Seattle's receivers, a position group with a lot of depth and talent.
"They're making a lot of plays on the perimeter," Macdonald said. "It's great to see, everybody's touching the ball. I was just talking to the quarterbacks today, 'Trust the system, trust the reads, feel the spacing of the defense, and the explosive plays will come.' The guys are making plays. There's a couple drops here and there, so we're chasing that. I'm sure (receivers coach Frisman Jackson) will have a litany of things to give you that they want to work on, but I'm pleased that the guys are high-pointing the ball, catching back-shoulder throws and things like that. It's exciting to see."
3. Tre Brown continues to have great battles with receivers and make a lot of plays.
While Seattle's receivers have made a lot of nice plays in camp, they've frequently had to do so while dealing with strong coverage from opposing defensive backs, and through the first week of practice, no one corner has found himself around the ball more than Tre Brown. Yes, there have been a few nice catches made with Brown in coverage, but he has also won his share of battles, be it with a pass breakup or with strong positioning that forces a receiver to make the catch out of bounds. And because Seattle's receivers move around, lining up in different spots, not to mention the fact that Macdonald has been having cornerbacks play both sides of the field early in camp, Brown has been battling with just about every receiver. On one play, he might be fighting Metcalf for a contested ball, and on the next he might be covering Smith-Njigba or Lockett. And almost every time, the coverage has been outstanding whether the catch is made or not.
"We have a lot of great competition in the corner room, we're moving guys around, but Tre's out there, he's battling," Macdonald said. "He's a competitive dude. I'm just pleased with his progress, his energy, his attitude. Four days in, and we've got a lot of great other players in that room that are battling for playing time, but he's right there with them."
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4. K'Von Wallace is making his case for more three-safety packages.
There's still a ways to go, but as things currently stand, Seattle's two starting safeties look to be Julian Love and free-agent signing Rayshawn Jenkins. But if Macdonald's past in Baltimore is any indication, there will likely be plenty of snaps for a third safety, with K'Von Wallace filling that role, and showing off some playmaking ability so far in camp. On Saturday, Wallace made a nice diving pass breakup from behind the intended receiver, and later in a red-zone drill he intercepted a Sam Howell pass in the end zone.
As Macdonald noted, defensive backs will always clamor for more defensive-back-heavy packages, and Wallace is making a good case to be on the field a lot.
"I just told the guys today, they're begging for multiple-DB groups, getting eight guys out there," Macdonald said. "I was like, 'Well, we've done it before, but it's up to you guys. If you earn the spot and that's going to put us in position to make a play, then that's what we'll do.' I think his words were, 'All right, bet.'"
5. Tyrel Dodson is new to Seattle but has a cool connection to the team and an all-time great.
When Tyrel Dodson was weighing his options in free agency, Seattle appealed to him for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the chance to play for Mike Macdonald and assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, he said.
But there was also a interesting connection to the team that he mentioned on Saturday that made signing with Seattle a full-circle moment, as he put it.
By joining the Seahawks where looks likely to be the starting middle linebacker, Dodson is filling some big shoes seeing as that position was filled by an all-time great, Bobby Wagner, for 11 of the past 12 seasons. And Dodson has an interesting connection to Wagner, having reached out to him on social media back when he was still in high school and Wagner was already an All-Pro linebacker.
"Eight years ago when I was in high school, I DMd him, and he replied then, and then when I signed here, he was like, 'Hey man, congrats. Everything comes full circle, everything's so surreal," Dodson said. "… I watched Bobby Wagner's film, I just loved Bobby Wagner. He's a good player, a good off-the-field guy too. He's just a good dude."
Dodson said that after signing he reached out to Wagner, who in turn replied not only with congratulations but also to tell Dodson he's coming into a good situation, telling him, "The Seahawks are awesome, 12s are going to go crazy."
Injury Updates
Defensive end Dre'Mont Jones didn't practice Saturday, the result of a hamstring injury, Macdonald said, but early indications are that it isn't anything serious.
"He's good," Macdonald said. "He kind of nicked his hammy a little bit. He feels good, but we're assessing it right now. It doesn't seem like it's a serious issue."
Tackle George Fant was back Saturday after getting a veteran rest day on Friday, while Saturday was defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins' turn for a rest day.
The Seahawks held their fourth practice of training camp on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41), kicker Jason Myers (5), punter Michael Dickson (4) and tight end Brady Russell (38) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Williams (33) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge (1) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Raiqwon O'Neal (79) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Marquise Blair (13) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks offensive line at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Nick Harris (56) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Lance Boykin (18) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Lance Boykin (18) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Artie Burns (23) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive end Myles Adams (95) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Williams (33) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and tight end Brady Russell (38) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and tight end Brady Russell (38) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Michael Jackson (30) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The defense at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) and Seahawks wide receiver Marcus Simms (18) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) at practice on July 27, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
