Notes and observations from Tuesday’s Seahawks OTA

RENTON – The Seahawks passed the halfway point of their Organized Team Activity schedule on Tuesday, holding their fifth of 10 sessions. This was only the second session that was open to the media. Here are a few notes and observations:

Roll call. The notable non-injury absences included running back Marshawn Lynch, linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, all of whom missed the first OTA last week. That was the only other OTA that has been open to the media, so it’s possible that the aforementioned players have yet to take part in OTAs (which are voluntary). Bennett’s absence is no surprise as he’s made clear his desire for a raise on his current contract. Neither is Lynch’s as he has typically participated sparingly in this portion of the offseason. In Avril’s case, he lost his father shortly before the start of OTAs and it’s believed he has yet to return to the team.

Michael sits out. Running back Christine Michael was present but did not participate in 11-on-11 drills, instead watching with a towel over his head. Michael has been first in line among Seattle’s running backs during OTAs with Lynch absent and backup Robert Turbin recovering from hip surgery. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell indicated that Michael was sidelined on Monday as well, saying: “I think he’s really done well up to this point until we’ve missed him the last couple days.” Rookies Thomas Rawls and Rod Smith along with fullback Derrick Coleman shared carries on Tuesday.

Graham dominates. Tight end Jimmy Graham was unquestionably the standout as he dominated 11-on-11 drills with several touchdowns catches, some of which he made look easy and all of which he punctuated with an emphatic spike of the football. After one of them, linebacker Bobby Wagner sprinted over to Graham and pretended to confront him, smiling the whole time. It sure looks like Graham is feeling comfortable in his new setting.

Daniels at receiver. Bevell said he sees B.J. Daniels as “mainly a receiver.” That’s the position at which Daniels worked exclusively on Tuesday, having ditched the red quarterback jersey in favor of the blue tops that offensive players wear. With Daniels playing receiver, Wilson and R.J. Archer are the only quarterbacks on Seattle’s roster. Bevell was asked whether that’s an optimal situation. “We’d like to get more arms in here, but we have so many guys at so many spots right now that it’s tight at those positions,” he said. “But for what we’re doing here, we’re OK.”