Seahawks: Bennett meeting expectations

Michael Bennett, has had to make it the NFL the hard way. An undrafted rookie for the Seattle Seahawks in 2009, he was released and then signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making more of a contribution each season, until he was a full-time starter in 2012, his final year in Tampa. Bennett then returned to Seattle on a one year million “prove it” contract. Bennett did just that, racking up 11 sacks and 75 total QB pressures for an impressive 13.6 Pass Rushing Productivity (PRP) score, on the way to Super Bowl victory. It earned Bennett the security of a four year contract, but now that he's made it he hasn't rested on his laurels.

In thirteen games this season Bennett has recorded five sacks and 58 total pressures for an 11.7 PRP score, seventh-best among qualifying defensive ends. Bennett's value extends beyond being a pass rusher, his +18.7 overall grade is fifth-best at the position, while his 18 stops in the run game have helped earn a +10.2 run defense grade, fourth-best among 4-3 defensive ends.