Seattle Seahawks: Rookie Terry Poole must make an early impact

ByBrett Clancy|

Looking at the Seattle Seahawks roster it’s difficult to find any glaring weaknesses. The secondary is still a little banged up, but recovering well and the perceived lack of offensive weapons seems all but eradicated by the additions of Jimmy Graham via trade and Tyler Lockett in the draft. One of the last remaining question marks is at left guard, and the Seahawks are hoping fourth round draft pick Terry Poole can provide a long term answer.

Prior to the draft Alvin Bailey was likely the name penciled in to the starting spot vacated by James Carpenter, who signed with the Jets earlier this offseason. Bailey will of course still have a chance to win the job, but he failed to impress in a 3 game stint filling in for an injured Carpenter last season and Poole has been getting an extended look at the spot as he attempts to make the transition inside after playing both tackle positions at San Diego State.

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A move inside always seemed likely for Poole who had been working more as an inside lineman leading up to the draft in anticipation of the change. While not an ideal fit outside, Poole is athletic enough to slide out to tackle for a spot start if the need arises, but he’ll need serious improvement in his footwork before he can be trusted against NFL caliber edge rushers.

Though he was drafted in the fourth round, most projections had Poole going later on day three. The bump in value can likely be attributed to Poole’s strong fit in Seattle’s zone blocking system. Offensive line coach Tom Cable mentioned that Poole and fellow fourth round interior lineman, Mark Glowinski, were among “seven or eight guys” being targeted by the coaching staff in this year’s draft. And Poole has admitted to admiring Cable since his Oakland days.

At 6’5, 307 pounds and a top performer (among offensive lineman) in the 40 yard dash and broad

jump at the combine there’s plenty to like about the former Aztec. What may determine Poole’s early success more than just his physical gifts is how he approaches the game mentally. Poole is hard nose player with a finisher’s mentality that seems to truly enjoy flattening defenders.

Nov 29, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs offensive lineman Terry Poole (79) is introduced for senior day before the game against the San Jose State Spartans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

And he’s still improving. Poole went from junior college stand out, to San Diego State’s starting right tackle his junior year, to stud left tackle for the Aztecs last year, culminating with all conference honors and an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game.

While he has his flaws, Poole is praised in scouting reports for his hand placement and physicality which should serve him well with Seattle, so long as he continues to improve his footwork.

James Carpenter didn’t exactly leave big shoes to fill; a first rounder who never lived up to his draft status and whom Seattle seemed resigned to losing at the end of the season, with too many other big money contracts upcoming to even make a run at retaining their starter of the past two years. Still, Carpenter was, for the most part, solid and at the very least, a known quantity.

Poole could very well be an upgrade, and Seattle better hope that he is that. Pro bowl Center Max Unger was traded to New Orleans and his level of success will be much more difficult to replicate, putting the onus for improvement on the left guard.

If Poole, or whomever wins the job, can’t at least draw even with Carpenter’s 2014 production it could be a long season for Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson.

Next: Seahawks: What to expect under DC Kris Richard

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