Seattle Seahawks rookie grades for 2019: D.K. Metcalf earns top marks

Round 5

Ben Burr-Kirven: D

I would like to hand out some higher grades, but Seattle received minimal production from their late-round picks. Ben Burr-Kirven played most of Seattle’s special teams snaps in 2019, and he only took the field for four defensive snaps. He produced eight tackles and a forced fumble.

Despite being undersized, Burr-Kirven dominated at Washington. In 2018, he led the Pac-12 in solo tackles (94), assisted tackles (82), and total tackles (176). He won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award. In comparison, Barton, who also played in the Pac-12, finished seventh in the conference in solo tackles (69), fourth in assisted tackles (48), and sixth in total tackles (117).

Burr-Kirven’s production may not translate to the NFL for several reasons, but he and Shaquem Griffin may see more time on the defense next season if Kendricks leaves in free agency. However, Barton could take Kendricks’ spot, and that still leaves Burr-Kirven out of the defensive rotation.

Burr-Kirven does not look like a long-term solution at linebacker, but he is still a valuable special teams player. Considering his production in college and rookie contributions, Burr-Kirven should at least play out his rookie contract in Seattle. However, Seattle will not hesitate to add another linebacker if they feel Burr-Kirven and Griffin lack starter potential.