SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

‘Hawk Talk’ highlights: Who stood out in Seahawks rookie minicamp?

May 11, 2016, 11:54 AM | Updated: 12:08 pm

Danny O'Neil believes tight end Nick Vannett could be "a real force" if he can block DEs one on one...

Danny O'Neil believes tight end Nick Vannett could be "a real force" if he can block DEs one on one. (AP)

(AP)

Danny O’Neil hosted a live Seahawks chat on Tuesday as “Hawk Talk” continues into the offseason. Here’s the transcript. Highlights are below.

SeahawkinFL asked about Danny’s impressions from rookie minicamp, including who he thought were standouts.

Danny O’Neil: I think Jarran Reed is grown-man strong. I would be surprised if he doesn’t start opening day. The offensive line is HUGE. Both Rees Odhiambo and Germain Ifedi are massive men. That trio of running backs are going to be a blast to watch. Nate Vannett is an impressive looking athlete. If he can occasionally block DEs one-on-one he will be a real force. And Kenny Lawler is really skinny – and it’s concerning he’s lost 15 pounds since the combine – but the guy can catch.

Anonymous Male Tweeter asked who has a higher chance of getting cut between wide receiver Paul Richardson, defensive end Chris Clemons and defensive back Brandon Browner.

Danny O’Neil: Well, Paul Richardson has virtually no chance of being cut. If he’s healthy, he’s on this team. Between Clemons and Browner, I’m going to say that Browner has a higher likelihood of not making the team, but it sure sounds like the Seahawks have some plans for him.

Kellymichelle33 asked if Justin Britt will pan out in his move to center.

Danny O’Neil: The short answer: I don’t know. I can almost buy into the idea that with two years of experience, he’s got the best feel for the system of all the players on the team. Then again, I thought he had a worse second year than his first year and that was due to a lack of familiarity with moving inside. Now moving him further inside? I would say that it’s more likely he’s a utility lineman than a starting center.

HawkFlocker askesd if the 2016 offensive starting line will end up being better than last year’s.

Danny O’Neil: Yes. I think they’ll end up being better than last year’s line. The question: Are they going to be better at the beginning. I think they take a step back before going forward.

Dean asked if Danny thinks that wide receiver Doug Baldwin will get a new contract now that Marshawn Lynch is officially retired.

Danny O’Neil: Baldwin is definitely next in line, but that’s not necessarily a straightforward negotiation. If you’re Doug Baldwin, aren’t you arguing for more than Marvin Jones got in free agency. And if you’re Seattle, are you giving it to him or letting it play out? Now all that stated, I didn’t expect him to sign an extension two years ago when he was a restricted free agent and he did.

Hawkman asked if the Seahawks could use Jimmy Graham as an outside receiver this year with Luke Willson and rookie Nick Vannett taking over at tight end.

Danny O’Neil: Interesting you would bring this up. NFL personnel packages are identified by the number of tight ends and running backs in the formation. It goes like this: RB-TE. So 1-2 personnel is 1 RB, 2 TE with 2 WRs. I think you’ll see a lot of 1-2 personnel with the Seahawks this season. Now while in 1-2 personnel, you could see those TEs line up as wide receiver.

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