Due to the presence of Pro Bowlers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, the Seattle Seahawks haven’t viewed linebacker as a major area of need in recent seasons.
In fact, Seattle only used one pick between the 2013 and 2017 drafts on a linebacker, selecting Kevin Pierre-Louis out of Boston College in 2014.
Instead, general manager John Schneider filled out the depth chart with undrafted free agents and affordable veterans, including Michael Wilhoite and Terence Garvin last season.
But the injury bug reared its ugly head last year when Wagner and Wright were forced out of action during a Week 14 defeat at Jacksonville, however, and Seattle wisely looked towards the future and used two draft picks in April to shore up depth with linebackers Shaquem Griffin and Jacob Martin.
Early signs indicate both players could contribute defensively as rookies. Griffin has taken on the role of apprentice behind Wright, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. As for Martin, he’s seen work at defensive end throughout offseason activities, specifically learning the LEO position in Seattle’s defensive scheme.
Griffin and Martin should have bright futures in Seattle, but the team also has reasons to be intrigued about the long-term potential of athletic undrafted signee Emmanuel Beal.
Beal thrived during two seasons at Oklahoma after transferring from Lakawanna College in Columbus, Ohio. As a two year starter for the Sooners, he recorded 176 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one interception in 27 games. A key piece in the school’s playoff run last season, he led the team in tackles and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 distinction at linebacker.
Due to his slight 223 pound frame, Beal didn’t receive an NFL Scouting Combine invite and didn’t hear his name called at the draft, but performed well at Oklahoma’s annual pro day. He ran an impressive 4.58 second 40-yard dash and posted a 35-inch vertical jump, which would have placed him in the top ten among linebackers at the combine for both events.
As an undersized linebacker, Beal faces an uphill climb to earn a roster spot. But the Seahawks have enjoyed consistent success developing “tweeners” who seem to lack a true position, and as evidenced by the team’s decision to draft the 228 pound Griffin, they value linebackers who fly to the football and prefer athleticism over size.
Recent history also suggests Seattle favors retaining core special teams players, such as standout gunner Neiko Thorpe, with its final roster spots.
If Beal can utilize his speed and open field tackling ability to become a valuable asset on the third side of the football, he has a chance to stick with the team into September.
