Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Wednesday, July 7 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
The Athletic: Poona Ford Will Be Seahawks' Breakout Player
It's not often that an undrafted rookie sticks with the first team to sign him, but that's been the case with Seahawks defensive tackle Poona Ford. The former Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year wasn't selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, so he signed with Seattle -- a decision that has proved beneficial for both sides.
Ford appeared in 11 games as a rookie before playing 15 in Year 2 and all 16 last season. In 2020, he set career-highs in total tackles (39), sacks (2.0), tackles for loss (8) and QB hits (9). Pro Football Focus rated him as the league's 15th best defensive tackle last season as he continued to progress into a well-rounded player, effectively stopping the run and rushing the passer. That earned Ford a two-year contract extension with the Seahawks, signed back in March.
On Tuesday, The Athletic's NFL staff writers selected one breakout candidate for each team. Michael-Shawn Dugar went with Ford, claiming he "has the potential to be one of the game's top defensive tackles". Here's his full reasoning:
"Defensive tackle Poona Ford, undrafted out of Texas in 2018 despite being the Big 12's top defensive lineman in his final season, started as a one-technique defensive tackle playing primarily on rushing downs. He thrived in that role for two seasons then blossomed into a formidable pass rusher in 2020, displaying his ability to get in the backfield as a three-technique as well. He finished fourth on the team with 28 QB pressures, according to TruMedia, and that earned him a two-year, $12.3 million contract extension in March. Ford, 25, has the potential to be one of the game's top defensive tackles."
Terrell Davis Lists Bobby Wagner Atop Best Linebacker List
Bobby Wagner is widely recognized among the NFL's best linebackers. But to hear how good you are from a Pro Football Hall of Famer is extra special.
Terrell Davis, the Super Bowl XXXII MVP and current NFL Network analyst, appeared on "NFL Total Access" Tuesday and ranked his top five linebackers entering this season. Wagner, as you might've expected, was atop Davis' list.
"At No. 1, I'm going with a guy who has been doing it for a long time, and that's Bobby Wagner," Davis explained. "Six-time First-Team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, this guy has nine straight seasons with over 100 tackles. He's a tackling machine for the Seattle Seahawks."
Social Post Of The Day
Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary with a trip to Italy:
More From Around The Web
Tuesday's Seahawks Round-up examines NFL Media’s recent story predicting Russell Wilson will be Seattle’s team MVP this season.
Tory Barron of ESPN with more details on Russell Wilson and Ciara’s trip to Italy.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated has five predictions for wide receiver D’Wayne Eskridge’s rookie season.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his Why Not You Foundation held the eighth annual Wilson Celebrity Invitational on Tuesday. The golf tournament was sponsored by Safeway, with proceeds benefiting Seattle Children's Hospital.
