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More concerns for Seattle's O-line

When you hear a draft evaluator say that a college tackle projects as a guard in the NFL usually it means that they don’t have the requisite size and/or athleticism to play in space against the league’s top-tier athletes. While the deficiencies can show up in run blocking, the main worry is that a sub-par technician on the edge will get exposed frequently in pass protection.

This is the reality that the Seattle Seahawks are dealing with at the moment with Justin Britt. A second-round pick last year, Britt moved from right tackle to left guard for today’s practice. As a rookie he was our lowest-graded right tackle in pass protection, and he didn’t do much to disprove that notion in Friday night’s preseason game versus the Broncos. On the second play from scrimmage Britt was wiped away by Von Miller in just under two seconds for a strip sack. He didn’t allow another pressure in his other four pass-blocking snaps, but the clean beats against Britt have obviously become a sore spot with the coaching staff.

The Seahawks are desperate for any combination of offensive linemen that can keep their $100 million quarterback Russell Wilson upright after finishing 18th in our pass-protection rankings a year ago. Filling in at right tackle today was Gary Gilliam, an undrafted free agent from 2014. Gilliam didn’t allow a pressure in 17 pass-blocking snaps running with the second team at left tackle on against the Broncos.

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