The Seattle Seahawks will host their third of nine total OTA practices on Friday. Head coach Mike Macdonald is fostering competition by hosting some seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 periods. Position battles are beginning to ensue ahead of training camp. We’ve identified some competitions worth monitoring on the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive line
The Seahawks are deep on the defensive line, with veteran players Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Byron Murphy II, and Johnathan Hankins guaranteed to play a role. Mike Morris, rookie Rylie Mills, and Quinton Bohanna are vying for rotational roles. The Seahawks have the most invested in Mills, a former Notre Dame standout.
EDGE
Like on the defensive line, we know names like Derick Hall, Boye Mafe, and DeMarcus Lawrence will play pivotal roles. Anything the Seahawks get from the oft-injured Uchenna Nwosu would be considered a bonus this season. Undrafted free agents Jared Ivey and Connor O’Toole are garnering offseason buzz.
Cornerback
The Seahawks may still sign a veteran cornerback to support Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Josh Jobe at the position. Nehemiah Pritchett needs to take a step forward as a sophomore. Undrafted free agents Zy Alexander and Isas Waxter are attempting to compete for 53-man roster spots.
Safety
Macdonald is certainly excited about his three-man rotation at safety, consisting of Julian Love, Coby Bryant, and Nick Emmanwori. The fourth spot is up for grabs, with Jerrick Reed, AJ Finley, Ty Okada, and D’Anthony Bell in the mix. Special teams will act as a deciding factor.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks OTAs: Position battles to monitor on defense