With the NFL Draft in the books and teams immersed in their offseason workout programs, CBS Sports took a look at which rookies on all 32 teams are most likely to have an instant impact this season.
For the Seahawks, Chris Trapasso gave the nod to third-round selection defensive lineman Rasheem Green.
“This is the type of versatile, pass-rushing defensive lineman the Seahawks love,” Trapasso writes. “While I won’t call him Michael Bennett 2.0, Green is a similar type of player, someone built to rush from the inside in nickel packages. He uses a devastating swim move and has outstanding burst off the snap.
“Although he’s not a productive run-defender, Green will pressure the quarterback often as a rookie.”
Seattle made a concerted effort to shore up its defensive line this season after the departures of season veterans Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Sheldon Richardson.
Besides adding Green and Jacob Martin in the draft, the Seahawks also signed a pair of former Vikings (Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen) during free agency and added undrafted free agent Poona Ford.
Coach Pete Carroll had high praise for Green after the team’s rookie minicamp following the draft.
“He’s really well coached,” Carroll said. “You can see that he’s got a real sense for rushing the passer. He seems like he’s an experienced kid for a 20-year-old.”
