The Seahawks got encouraging performances from several rookies during the preseason. The best work came from Charles Cross and Abe Lucas, who may well be in line to start Week 1 at the tackle positions.
Lucas’ run blocking made the highlight reels multiple times and both graded out well in both pass protection according to Pro Football Focus. Cross was at 72.2, while Lucas earned a 73.8 grade. These grades may be subjective but it’s also rare for rookie linemen to post pass protection marks that high for their first NFL competition. Here’s what coach Pete Carroll had to say about how the rookie tackles played this preseason, per the team website.
“But both guys, coming out of the same system, different parts of the country, have made the transition to be run guys. They come off the rock, they’re both physical, athletic. Finishing well, that’s the stuff I’m looking for.”
If their success carries over into the regular season it would mean an instant smash hit for Seattle’s 2022 draft class and the franchise’s first in over a decade at this position. Remember, to date Russell Okung is the only quality tackle that Carroll and John Schneider have drafted. If both Lucas and Cross work out it essentially means lightning striking twice in the same spot after a 12-year absence.
Preseason is preseason though and fans shouldn’t expect 100% smooth sailing for either during their first year in the league. That said, the early returns from these two are extremely promising – perhaps setting an offensive foundation Seattle can build on long-term.
With two bonafide stars at wide receiver and one of the strongest running back rooms in football, that would leave them only one critical upgrade short of fielding a complete and competitive offense.
