Seattle Seahawks News: Jerrod Johnson, Luke Willson
The Seattle Seahawks might have a backup quarterback to keep an eye on behind Russell Wilson in Jerrod Johnson, as the Seattle Times reports that 6’5″, 251 pound backup Jerrod Johnson is gunning for the second-string job with a drastically improved throwing motion. Signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2011, Johnson is showing up strong in his final chance to make a roster at the pro-level.
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It sounds like the Seahawks are willing to give Johnson that chance, as head coach Pete Carroll sounds happy with the progress that Johnson has made leading up to this offseason. He said, “He can really gun the football down the field. He’s got a great presence in that he’s such a big guy in the pocket. Totally different than our other guys.
Johnson has an uphill battle with regards to making the roster, but Carroll and the Seahawks sound very willing to give Johnson a shot at making the roster in 2013. We’ll see how far the new throwing motion takes him, and the key is how much it helps Johnson’s accuracy. He already has a amazing size and arm strength, but technique and accuracy are more important at the pro level. The Seahawks are the third team that Johnson has played for in his career.
Pete Carroll is also a fan of fifth-round tight end Luke Willson, who could very well end up being one of the steals of this draft. Willson has been one of the standout performers among later-round prospects in rookie minicamps around the league, and Carroll and others have lauded the job Willson has done. Carroll called Willson the team’s best performer during rookie minicamps, and it is all about speed with the rookie TE.
Possessing 4.51 speed, Willson is the Seahawks fastest tight end, and Carroll added that his speed “certainly” allows him to be a factor when stretching the field vertically. Willson looks like a dangerous player in the seam, and his speed is certainly unique and an intriguing asset for the Seahawks and Russell Wilson. Although it is easy to go too far praising Willson, he looks the part and should be able to grasp a role on the Seahawks offense next season. It will be a small role, but Willson should be able to put his stamp on this offense with his speed and is one to continue to watch closely.
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