Breaking down the Seahawks' reported undrafted free agents – The Seattle Times
As of Sunday night, the Seahawks have yet to officially release a list of thir undrafted free agents.
But a dozen or so have been reported, a few of which have been independently confirmed either through the player himself on social media (or a coach or the school) as well as other sources.
To clarify, players who sign as undrafted free agents are rookies who have a contract with the Seahawks and become part of the 90-man roster. Teams can also invite players to try out at the rookie mini-camp this weekend. That’s what Oregon QB Vernon Adams is doing — though it’s worth noting that since he’s just trying out, he could sign a contract with any team at any time — and also what a few others are doing (with some players reported as signed possibly coming as tryout players only). Also worth noting that things sometimes change and until the team release an official list this should all be considered, well, unofficial.
But here’s a list of the players who various reports/sources have said have signed, with a brief comment.
WR DeAnthony Arnett, Michigan State: A one-time highly-touted recruit, Arnett caught just 12 passes in three years at MSU after starting his career at Tennessee. But a listed 40 of 4.45 is intriguing and he also shares the same agent as Seattle RB Thomas Rawls
QB Trevone Boykin,TCU: Boykin was one of the most productive QBs in college football a year ago but his 5-11 size has had some wondering if he can play that spot in the NFL. Seattle reportedly signed him to a 15,000 bonus and $15,000 guaranteed, indicative of a pretty aggressive attempt to get him. Boykin will join college teammate Joey Hunt, a center drafted by Seattle in the sixth round. Boykin was suspended for the Alamo Bowl against Oregon and now could be competing with the QB he didn’t get to face in that game — Oregon’s Adams — for a roster spot with the Seahawks.
DT Brandin Bryant, Florida Atlantic University: Bryant was regarded as potentially a late-round pick and at a listed 6-3, 300 pounds looks like another candidate at the nose and three-technique spots.
RB David Dudeck, Boston College: Also played receiver and was a returner at BC.
CB DeAndre Elliot, Colorado State: Some regarded Elliott as potentially a fourth- or fifth-round pick and he had a 41-inch vertical leap at the NFL combine. Size — 6-1, 188 pounds — is intriguing.
SS Marwin Evans, Utah State: The 6-foot, 210-pounder started all 13 games last season at strong safety for the Aggies.
TE George Fant, Western Kentucky: Fant has one of the more interesting back stories of anyone on this list as a former basketball player who turned to football last season. Fant caught just one pass for seven yards last season so he’s a project. But standing almost 6-6 and weighing 296 pounds while running a 4.83 40 is eye-catching.
LB Christian French, Oregon: The 6-5, 245-pound French had a pre-draft visit to the VMAC and was reported to get a $5,000 signing bonus from the Seahawks. Appears to project as a candidate at strongside linebacker, where the Seahawks need to find a replacement for Bruce Irvin.
CB Darvell Harris, North Alabama: Another tall corner, standing 6-1.
PL Jaylen Hunter, Middle Tennessee: Hunter was an All-Conference USA pick playing left guard.
DL Lars Koht, Florida International: The 6-5, 283-pounder played tackle at FIU. Koht also has a black belt in karate and received a reported $2,000 bonus from the Seahawks.
LB Steve Longa, Rutgers: Longa was one of 30 of 107 players who declared early for the NFL who did not get drafted. But according to NJ.com, he said he has no regrets and also said he had frequent contact with the Seahawks in the run-up to the draft and that Seattle was long his desired destination. The 6-foot, 235-pounder projects as a middle linebacker which would mean he’ll be thrown into the competition with Brock Coyle to back up Bobby Wagner.
RB Tre Madden, USC: Madden’s grandfather is former NFL RB Lawrence McCutcheon, who briefly played for the Seahawks in 1980. Madden initially signed with USC as a linebacker but later switched to the backfield. Is also known as a good receiver but has battled injuries throughout his college career, maybe the main reason he went undrafted. Listed at just over 6-foot and 203 pounds.
S Tanner McEvoy, Wisconsin: McEvoy also played receiver and quarterback at Wisconsin and at 6-5, 231 pounds has good size for a safety. Pro Football Focus considered him one of the top 50 players who went undrafted, writing: “At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, McEvoy looked like a former quarterback playing safety and that’s exactly what he was, but the results were better than expected as his +15.3 overall grade ranked 10th in the class.”
OL Lene Maiava, Arizona: A starter at right tackle last year for Arizona, Maiava was another known to have made a pre-draft visit to the VMAC. NFL.com wrote that he may be a better fit at guard in the NFL.
LB Montese Overton, East Carolina: Listed at just under 6-2 and 223 pounds, regarded as a safety/outside linebacker type. Attended the combine.
LB David Perkins, Illinois State: Perkins looks like a LEO/SLB type at 6-3, 240 pounds. He began his career at Ohio State before deciding to transfer for what he said were playing time reasons.
S Tyvis Powell, Ohio State: A team captain at Ohio State last season, Powell was the defensive MVP of the 2014 national title game win over Oregon. Another who declared early and didn’t get drafted. Listed at just under 6-3 and 211 pounds, appears to project as a strong safety, the position he played in college.
LB/DE Pete Robertson, Texas Tech: The 6-3, 239-pounder projects as an edge rusher candidate after making 12 sacks last season.
