A lighter DeShawn Shead aims to be even more versatile for Seahawks
Aug 16, 2016, 11:54 AM
Brock Huard said cornerback DeShawn Shead played his best game as a Seahawk on Sunday. (AP)
(AP)
DeShawn Shead has spent most of training camp as the Seahawks’ No. 1 cornerback opposite Richard Sherman. And while he’s preparing to be the starter on the right side for the upcoming regular season, he told “Bob, Groz and Tom” on Monday that he slimmed down this offseason in preparation of filling multiple roles in the secondary like he has in recent years.
“I definitely lost a little bit of weight this offseason,” he said. “I wanted to come in a little bit lighter and faster.”
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Shead said he dropped 10 pounds from his typical playing weight of about 220 so that he can transition more easily between positions, specifically in the slot against more quick-twitch receivers.
“I felt fine at (220 pounds),” he said. “But coming in and being a little bit lighter … just to be able to have that transition to be able to go outside at corner, or go inside at nickel if I have to and cover those fast, little slot receivers, that was one thing I was working on.”
Shead has been a Swiss-Army Knife in Seattle’s secondary, shifting between both safety spots and even taking over the nickel corner job last season after the Seahawks cut Cary Williams. He might find himself again in a more regular role in 2016, his fifth season, as he’s worked his way from an undrafted free agent to a candidate for a starting CB spot in a crowded and talented Seattle secondary.
Set to be a restricted free agent in 2017, Shead started six games last season, contributing 55 tackles and eight passes defended. He added a sack, interception and two forced fumbles.
Shead said he is confident in his abilities no matter where he lands on defense.
“I definitely got a chip on my shoulder but I just come in here every day, clock in every day, and just try to do my job,” he said. “… Wherever things fit and land, I can’t control nothing up there (with the coaching staff). All I can do is control what I do on the field and practice and how I show up every day.”
