BRADY HENDERSON

Most Intriguing Seahawks: No. 13, CB Tharold Simon

Jul 25, 2016, 2:48 PM

After three disappointing seasons, Tharold Simon has a chance to be Seattle's third cornerback in 2...

After three disappointing seasons, Tharold Simon has a chance to be Seattle's third cornerback in 2016. (AP)

(AP)

LISTEN: Most Intriguing Seahawks: No. 13, CB Tharold Simon

Each day until the start of training camp, “Brock and Salk” is talking with an NFL analyst and counting down the 25 most intriguing players on the Seahawks’ roster. “Two-a-days” continued with ESPN’s Matt Hasselbeck as the guest and Tharold Simon as the 13th-most intriguing Seahawk. The segment on Simon is embedded above. My thoughts are below.

Position: CB
Height/Weight: 6-3, 202
Experience: Fourth season
Acquired: Fifth-round pick, 2013

Overview: “He has tons of ability, and we’re kind of waiting for him to take it over and just show that he’s able to do it consistently.” That quote from Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard is a pretty good summation of Simon’s career to date and where he stands entering his fourth season. Simon’s size and physicality are exactly what the Seahawks look for in their cornerbacks. They just haven’t been able to see it in action for any extended stretch due in large part to Simon’s inability to stay healthy. He missed the entirety of his rookie season (feet), six games in 2014 (knee, shoulder) then all but one game last year (toe). And when Simon has managed to stay on the field, the results have been mixed. He made five regular-season starts and one interception in 2014 but struggled in coverage when pressed into action in the playoffs, first in the divisional round against Carolina and then in the Super Bowl against New England. Can Simon finally stay healthy and show the Seahawks what they’ve been waiting to see? It’s now or never.

The intrigue: The intrigue with Simon, aside from his physical tools, is the situation he’s in as enters the final year of his rookie deal. The carrot of free agency tends to be a pretty effective motivator for players who have underachieved, and Simon has seen several other Seahawks defensive backs cash in. Byron Maxwell, for instance, struggled with injuries his first two seasons and only started 17 games for Seattle but still got a free-agent contract averaging $10.5 million per year. The Seahawks can’t count on Simon to stay healthy, but they can at least know that he’s got plenty of incentive to have a strong season. So far so good, according to the review coach Pete Carroll gave of Simon in May: “This is a really good look at him. This is the best we’ve seen him. He’s the most experienced, seems to be the most settled, he understands what we’re asking of him, and he’s going to have a great competitive opportunity because he’s put together a great offseason.”

2016 outlook: It depends first and foremost on Simon’s availability, which at this point can’t be taken for granted. If he stays healthy, Simon has a chance to earn significant playing time. It likely won’t be as a starter since Jeremy Lane is the favorite to play opposite Richard Sherman in Seattle’s base defense. But Simon could be the third cornerback Seattle uses in nickel situations, taking over on the right side with Lane sliding into the slot. DeShawn Shead is among the other cornerbacks on Seattle’s roster who will compete for that job.

Most Intriguing Seahawks: 25, DL Quinton Jefferson; 24, WR Kasen Williams; 23, WR Paul Richardson; 22, G Mark Glowinski; 21, TE Nick Vannett; 20, CB Jeremy Lane; 19, DT Jordan Hill; 18, RB Alex Collins; 17, S Tyvis Powell; 16, G Germain Ifedi; 15, QB Russell Wilson; 14, FS Earl Thomas.

Brock and Salk podcast

Brady Henderson

Rees Odhiambo, a 2016 third-round pick, will compete with Matt Tobin to start at left tackle. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Tom Cable: Rees Odhiambo, Matt Tobin are Seahawks’ preferred LT options

Tom Cable brought a bit of clarity to the Seahawks' plans at left tackle in the wake of George Fant's season-ending knee injury, saying Tuesday that Rees Odhiambo and newcomer Matt Tobin are the top two options.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks injury updates: George Fant set for surgery, K.J. Wright returns

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle George Fant is expected to be back by next season from the knee injury that will sideline him in 2017.

7 years ago

Matt Tobin, 27, started 21 games over seasons with the Eagles. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks acquire OL Matt Tobin in trade with Eagles

The Seahawks have acquired offensive tackle Matt Tobin in a trade with the Eagles, making another move to shore up their offensive line after losing left tackle George Fant for the season.

7 years ago

Luke Joeckel played left tackle for his first three NFL seasons. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Luke Joeckel? Rees Odhiambo? A look at the Seahawks’ LT options with George Fant out for the season

The Seahawks need a new plan at left tackle with George Fant out for the season. Moving Luke Joeckel there is one option, writes Brady Henderson.

7 years ago

Michael Bennett on Justin Britt standing by his side during the national anthem Friday night: “I ...

Brady Henderson

Justin Britt stands by Michael Bennett during national anthem: ‘A very emotional moment’

Seahawks center Justin Britt showed his support for teammate Michael Bennett Friday night, standing by him as Bennett remained seated during the national anthem.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks’ George Fant needs ACL surgery, likely out for season

The Seahawks' offensive line was dealt a massive blow with left tackle George Fant suffering a knee injury Friday night that will likely keep him out all season.

7 years ago

Most Intriguing Seahawks: No. 13, CB Tharold Simon