Seattle Seahawks: 5 Players who must step up in 2020

2. Jarran Reed, DT

Two seasons ago, Jarran Reed posted borderline Pro Bowl numbers. Alongside Frank Clark, Reed tallied 50 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 24 quarterback hits. However, Seattle traded Clark during the following offseason, and the NFL handed Reed a six-game suspension for an incident that occurred in 2017.

During his shortened 2019 campaign, Reed reverted to his pre-2018 form, recording 27 tackles, two sacks, and eight quarterback hits. After a disappointing season shortened by a suspension, Reed agreed to a two-year, $23 million deal with Seattle. While he’s still making a lot of money, the contract is substantially smaller than it would’ve been if Reed signed a new deal last offseason.

In 2019, Jadeveon Clowney failed to replace Clark’s production, and Reed never got into his rhythm. If the Seahawks don’t re-sign Clowney this offseason, then Reed becomes the highest-paid player on their defensive front. He must prove himself worthy of the massive pay raise he received this offseason.

1. Tre Flowers, CB

Last season, Shaquill Griffin faced a significant year. Entering his third season, the cornerback needed to prove he could perform at the level of a top cornerback. After two disappointing seasons, Griffin came to life in 2019 and put on the best performance of his career. He even earned a Pro Bowl selection.

In contrast, Tre Flowers came under fire last season. With Griffin taking his game to another level, teams began targeting the fifth-round pick from Oklahoma State. While Flowers flashes impressive size, he got burned multiple times in 2019. He did intercept three passes, but that total also comes as a result of being targeted so much.

At least Pete Carroll believes in the young cornerback. At the combine, Carroll supported Flowers by saying, per Yahoo Sports, “There’s no reason that he shouldn’t with the experience that he’s had – all the play time that he’s gathered in. He should be ready to make a good step forward.”

Considering that Griffin already made a significant jump in his third season, it’s reasonable to think Flowers can do the same.

Flowers will face competition for his starting job this summer, considering that Seattle recently traded for Washington’s Quinton Dunbar. The deal sent a fifth-round pick to Washington in exchange for the 27-year-old cornerback. Dunbar started 11 games for the Redskins last season.