Hawk Talk highlights: Who will return punts?
May 20, 2014, 3:54 PM | Updated: May 21, 2014, 9:47 am
By 710Sports.com staff
Highlights from the latest edition of “Hawk Talk” with Danny O’Neil:
An anonymous guest asked who will be returning punts now that Golden Tate has departed in free agency.
O’Neil: Great question. Would Seattle let Richard Sherman do that? He was listed as the backup at that spot in the Super Bowl. Doug Baldwin would be a candidate, too. We’ll have to see on Jeremy Lane. He was a candidate to return kickoffs, but punt return is a different skill.
anthony f asked if rookie wide receiver Paul Richardson is another candidate.
O’Neil: He didn’t do it in college. Conceivably, his speed and position would make him a possibility, but until I see him do it, I don’t think he’s on the list of candidates.
King Louis XIV asked if the Seahawks made a mistake by not taking a guard with one of their nine draft picks.
O’Neil: It’s a mistake if they don’t get good guard play this year. That was a vote of confidence in James Carpenter, J.R. Sweezy and Alvin Bailey being capable in that spot. If Seattle continues to have protection problems up the gut, then yes, it would constitute a mistake. They need to protect their quarterback.
Nick asked if cornerback Tharold Simon, a fifth-round pick in 2013, will make an impact in 2014 after missing his rookie season with foot injuries.
O’Neil: Brock Huard asked the same thing. I wouldn’t rule it out. However, if you’re asking my opinion, no, I don’t think he does. So far, in 13 months with the team, he has had as many documented foot problems (two) as practices (two).
King Edward the Confessor questions O’Neil’s contention that Tarvaris Jackson is a lock to make the roster despite his guaranteed contract, saying that Seattle wouldn’t hesitate to choose Terrelle Pryor over Jackson if he’s the better quarterback.
O’Neil: You’re right, the money – even though it’s guaranteed – is no guarantee he’ll make the roster. Just ask T.J. Who’syomama. However, I can’t envision a scenario in which Terrelle Pryor – in his first year with the team – beats out a player like Jackson who has seven years of experience playing for this specific offensive coordinator and who has earned the respect of this team.
