Pete Carroll on Seahawks’ rookie minicamp and more

By Brady Henderson

Pete Carroll and the rest of Seattle’s coaches won’t be looking for any one thing in particular from the team’s rookies over their three-day minicamp that begins Friday.

Far from it.

“The biggest charge we have as coaches is to figure these kids out and understand what’s important to them, how they think, how they operate. We’ve told them that everything they do counts,” Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Brock and Danny” on Friday.

“We’re going to watch them like a hawk, we’re going to check everything they say, how they respond, are they looking at you, are they not, are they strong, are they quiet. We want to figure them out so that we can best utilize that information to help them be the best they can be. That’s what this thing’s all about.”

A few more notes from Carroll’s conversation with “Brock and Danny”:

The Marsh Plan. Cassius Marsh’s role along UCLA’s defensive line fluctuated throughout his college career, as did his weight. He weighed around 250 pounds last season while playing defensive end, but the Seahawks want him to be a little heavier as he fills a versatile role similar to that of Michael Bennett.

“Mike plays defensive end for us, he also plays three-technique (defensive tackle) and he rushes inside on nickel. We would like to see how Cassius fits into that,” Carroll said. “That’s Cassius’ background. That’s how he’s always played in the past. He trimmed down a little bit this year … for his pass-rush ability. We’re going to try to beef him back up a little bit. He’s been 300 pounds before.”

Carpenter slimmer. Offensive-line coach Tom Cable noted during the draft how left guard James Carpenter returned for offseason workouts in the best shape of his career. Carroll said the same thing Friday.

“Carp really looks great,” Carroll said. “He’s trimmer than he’s been since he’s been here, and he’s really fit. He had a great offseason.”

Carpenter – who has struggled with weight, conditioning and injury issues during his three seasons – is entering the final year of his contract after Seattle declined his fifth-year option.

Others bigger. Carroll mentioned a trio of second-year players who have changed physically from their rookie seasons, saying defensive end Benson Mayowa has put on 15 pounds and that tight end Luke Willson has gained six or seven. Carroll also singled out running back Christine Michael for being in particularly good shape.

“There’s a bunch of guys, and really it’s mostly the younger guys that are coming back for their second year that have really had the benefit of a great offseason program,” Carroll said.

Follow Brady Henderson on Twitter @BradyHenderson.