How did the Seahawks’ 2024 class contribute in the final regular-season game?
The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 245 snaps in the season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. It was the most snaps for Seattle’s rookies all season, and by a wide margin. With not much to play for, some fans asked for more chances for those who were playing fewer snaps. That wasn’t the plan of Mike Macdonald and his coaching staff, but due to game situations they ended up using a lot of their rookies.
All data used in this article was taken from PFF. Let’s look at the numbers and the film!
Byron Murphy II, Defensive Lineman (3 snaps)
Murphy was listed as questionable for the game. This even led the team to elevate Quinton Bohanna as a precaution. The rookie probably passed the tests in the locker room and went to the game. However, he only played three snaps and was ruled out.
Christian Haynes, Offensive Guard (0 snaps)
He didn’t even manage to get a single snap in a game that wasn’t worth much. Haynes will need to show a lot in the next offseason to stay in Seattle.
Tyrice Knight, Linebacker (58 snaps)
He was the team leader in Pass Rush Grade with 90.1, finishing the game with half a sack, while the second-place player (Ernest Jones) only managed 77.6. Even though he led the team in tackles, with 10, it was a game that drew less attention than usual. Maybe because Ernest Jones was playing with more desire against his old team.
Let’s start with his worst play. Luckily, it was on special teams. Seattle had three players close to the ball, which should have left the Rams at the 1-yard line, but it turned into an unacceptable touchback.
I always praise Knight’s ability to escape blocks. Notice his footwork to change direction quickly. Finally, he tricks the OL into creating the lane for the tackle.
He manipulates the center, threatening to attack the right side, but gets around him and has a clear path for the sack that is shared with his teammate, Ernest Jones.
AJ Barner, Tight End (31 snaps)
The first analysis is the snap breakdown. This was the game in which he was closest to Noah Fant, getting 31 to Noah’s 35. Pharaoh Brown must have played his last six snaps as a Seahawk. Barner received all five targets he had, totaling 34 yards and 1 TD.
For someone who was drafted to be a blocking TE, Barner needs to refine his technique a lot for the NFL. Here he has a very high pad level that makes life easier for the defender. The low man wins.
His best block came on a play that had a defensive foul (luckily for Kenny McIntosh, who fumbled). He comes in motion and now, using an adequate pad level, completely takes the defender out of the way.
Barner comes in motion and fakes the block on the EDGE who was left unblocked. This makes the EDGE hesitate and gives Geno some time to throw the ball. Barner receives and gains good yards after the reception, mainly due to the great block by Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
On this play, he runs a leak after the play doesn’t develop and he quickly finds space and turns to become an option for Geno Smith, who throws the TD.
This type of play that makes me happy. Barner receives the pass, lowers his shoulder, withstands the hit and gets a good physical gain.
Nehemiah Pritchett, Cornerback (43 snaps)
If you reread the last article, I raised the question about Pritchett not being used, even with the team having problems with Josh Jobe and Tre Brown. Well, in this game he showed why. The rookie received the second worst coverage grade (37), only ahead of the very weak Rayshawn Jenkins (31.6). He gave up 5 receptions for 100 yards, it was a game to forget.
It was bizarre how he was exploited when he was on the field after the injuries of Riq Woolen and Tre Brown. The QB’s reading was basically one:
“Are the Seahawks man to man? If so, pass to the receiver who is with Pritchett because he will certainly be free.”
In this play, he tries to anticipate the WR’s route and ends up on the ground in an embarrassing way, giving up a huge gain to Jordan Whittington.
Another snap in which he gives up a big play. He is unable to use his physicality to impose himself on the line of scrimmage and the WR manages to catch the ball with relative ease.
Sataoa Laumea, Right Guard (55 snaps)
Pass protection is still an issue for Laumea. He gave up three pressures; however, all of them were converted into hurries. In the running game, he continues to be a standout. In fact, the team should have explored running on his side more.
He always shows his physicality. Note that his blocking does not change the course of the play much, but this mentality of finishing your opponent is something fundamental for an OL.
He comes out late on the snap and is unable to position himself in front of the defender, giving up pressure quickly.
Combo block, helping the center and then going to the second level where he neutralizes the LB.
His block is essential to create the gap where Zach Charbonnet will run.
Mike Jerrell, Right Tackle (55 snaps)
Jerrell gave up two hurries, being fifth in pass block grade, but he was the worst on the team in run block with 52.8. I really liked the decision to let Jerrell play instead of Stone Forsythe. The rookie still has a contract for three years, it’s a project. Forstyhe must have played his last snaps as a Seahawk.
That’s one of the reasons for his low run block grade. Laumea helps him on the double-team, but Jerrell can’t keep up the block when his teammate goes to the second level.
Here’s a glimpse of Jerrell’s potential. An athletic player who can be exploited and used in the open field.
Final Thoughts
Whether on purpose or due to game circumstances, the rookie class contributed a lot to the victory at the end of the regular season. We’ve also gotten a glimpse of what we can project for the coming years for this class.