The first year of the Mike Macdonald era takes another turn Monday as the Seattle Seahawks gather for the first of their 10 Organized Team Activities, or OTAs.
OTAs are essentially voluntary practices without full pads or contact, but they can include 11-on-11 drills, making them valuable for assessing the roster under the new coaching staff. Here are six things to watch as the OTAs begin this week.
Macdonald’s First Steps as Head Coach
This year marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Seahawks with Mike Macdonald at the helm. As a first-time head coach at any level, every decision Macdonald makes will be under scrutiny. Building rapport and establishing his coaching philosophy with the team during OTAs will be crucial for setting the tone heading into the summer break.
Evaluating the Quarterbacks
Currently, the Seahawks have two quarterbacks: returning starter Geno Smith and Sam Howell, acquired in a trade. Although a third quarterback might be added for training camp, the focus now is on giving Smith and Howell ample reps to get comfortable with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s system. Howell’s performance will be particularly interesting, as the team assesses his potential as a long-term option.
Defensive Line Dynamics
Significant moves on the defensive line include re-signing Leonard Williams and drafting Byron Murphy II. The OTAs will provide a glimpse into how Macdonald plans to deploy these players. The role of defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones, who might see more time on the edge, will be a key point of interest, potentially explaining the team’s limited offseason additions at that position.
Rookie Integration
OTAs will spotlight the integration of the Seahawks’ rookie class, including first-round pick Byron Murphy II and third-round pick Christian Haynes. These sessions are the first opportunity for the rookies to engage in 11-on-11 drills against veterans, giving the coaching staff a better sense of their readiness and adaptation to the professional level.
Offensive Line Competition
Christian Haynes will be a key figure to watch on the offensive line, competing for a starting role at right guard. The health and performance of right tackle Abraham Lucas, recovering from knee surgery, will also be closely monitored. The competition for starting positions, particularly at center and right guard, will begin to take shape during these practices.
Monitoring Team Health
Player health will inevitably be a storyline during OTAs. Last year’s OTAs revealed injury concerns, such as Abraham Lucas’s shoulder surgery and Riq Woolen’s knee issue, that impacted the season. This year, the health status of key players like Lucas will be closely watched to gauge their readiness for the upcoming season.
Overall, these OTAs will be pivotal for the Seahawks as they navigate a new era under Coach Macdonald, integrate new talent, and set the foundation for the upcoming season.
