A quick rundown on the newest Seahawk: OL D.J. Fluker
Mar 21, 2018, 9:57 AM | Updated: Mar 23, 2018, 10:44 am
New Seahawks OL D.J. Fluker goes up against Cliff Avril in a 2014 game. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks’ addressed their offensive line Tuesday, agreeing to terms with ex-Giants guard D.J. Fluker.
Here’s a quick rundown on the newest Seahawk:
• The Chargers selected Fluker was selected 11th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. He joins two other first-round Seahawks from the same class: defensive end Dion Jordan and outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo.
• Fluker started his career at right tackle in San Diego but was moved to right guard in 2015. After being released by the Chargers in 2017, Fluker signed a one-year deal with the Giants.
Get to know the newest Seahawks:
OLB Barkevious Mingo
TE Ed Dickson
WR Jaron Brown
• A 2014 Sports Illustrated piece profiled Fluker’s path to college football: After Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home in 2005, Fluker and his family were displaced and struggled with homelessness. Despite those obstacles, he eventually landed a scholarship to the University of Alabama.
“There are so many times when I say to myself, ‘I can’t believe you’ve come so far.’ I feel like I worked hard; I’ve always taken pride in that,” Fluker told SI. “But it’s like, if I knew what was ahead, I would have worked even harder, you know?'”
• A toe injury landed Fluker on the Giants’ injured reserve list in late November. While Fluker has seen his pass-blocking criticized, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan noted New York averaged 25 fewer rushing yards with Fluker out of the lineup.
• 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny O’Neil said Fluker is a comparably safe investment for Seattle, compared to the team’s signing of OL Luke Joeckel in 2017: “It’s a good sign that (Seattle offensive line coach Mike Solari) had him in New York and that he’s coming to Seattle. Because it means Solari knows what he’s getting and he believes this guy is capable … I’m not against this. I would say that he’s less expensive than Luke Joeckel, and if he completely flames out and is worse than Joeckel in terms of performance, it’s not going to bother you if he sits on the bench. Him coming here for a one-year deal is probably much more similar to, ‘Hey let’s take a flier on a guy and see if he’s able to compete and win a spot.'”
