20 Most Interesting Seahawks: #8 Germain Ifedi

After the Seahawks made him a somewhat surprising first round pick in 2016, Germain Ifedi had his ups and downs his rookie season. At times, he looked like a dominating bully who would control the run game. Other times, he whiffed miserably. What can we expect in 2017?

Let’s start with the obvious news. After just one season at right guard, the Seahawks have moved offensive guard/tackle Germain Ifedi back to his college position of right tackle. Whether this is positive or negative news can be debated on both ends. On the plus side, a move back to tackle could make Ifedi more comfortable in the NFL.

On the other hand, why would Tom Cable give up so quickly on a player he desperately wanted out of college?

The Seahawks certainly don’t seem ready to invest long term in the gigantic OG/T. They drafted Ethan Pocic in the second round who, despite being a center at LSU, also got starts at guard and was announced as a tackle. They also signed veteran guard Oday Aboushi to a one-year deal.

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Perhaps Pocic’s ultimate value comes as a Justin Britt replacement and Aboushi is nothing more than cheap depth. But it is curious how Seattle has invested in both the right guard and right tackle positions. If Ifedi is unable to win the right tackle position out of camp, there are very few options. It appears the Seahawks are ready to roll with Mark Glowinski and Aboushi at right guard. Perhaps a move to left guard is possible, but even there he must beat out Luke Joeckel and Rees Odhiambo.

Ifedi was earning rave reviews early in 2016 Training Camp before a high ankle sprain cost him his first three games of the season. The lack of reps could have stunted his growth, and he did show some promise, particularly in the run game. However, Ifedi struggled to handle the quick interior pass rush. That weakness will now be on display as he moves to tackle.

Next: 20 Most Interesting Seahawks: #9--Thomas Rawls

If he can take major strides in 2017, and can solidify the right side of the line with Glowinski, the Seahawks run game could benefit greatly.