The Seattle Seahawks, perhaps more than most NFL franchises, are known for their ability to scrape the bargain bin and find diamonds in the rough.
What better way to earn that reputation than to find themselves a future star out of the many AAF cast-offs that are now waiting for their next opportunity to play professional football.
With many former first round picks, flame-outs, and even a handful of former Seahawks, GM John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll have plenty of players they can attempt to bring into training camp to compete for a spot on Seattle’s 53-man roster.
Here are five that we think could best fit what Seattle needs heading into next season.
Linebacker Terence Garvin
Garvin is one of the few former Seahawks who participated in the AAF this year, and he looked solid in both coverage and in run protection as a linebacker for the Orlando Apollos.
Garvin recorded three interceptions (including the first in AAF history) and 34 tackles, earning a nice 82.2 grade in coverage.
Garvin would join a very crowded linebacker group, although his veteran presence and familiarity with the system could give him the edge for a job on the special teams and as extra linebacker depth, particularly if Seattle doesn’t get a full season out of Mychal Kendricks.
Edge Defender Jayrone Elliott
Former Packers and Cowboys edge defender Jayrone Elliott recorded eight sacks in just eight games for the San Antonio Commanders, showing improved technique as a pass rusher.
He flashed some potential back in 2015 with Green Bay, recording three sacks in 14 games. Even though he didn’t play at all in 2018, Elliott is still just 27 years old.
He fits the mold that Seattle already has with Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Martin and now Nate Orchard however, so even if Seattle brought him into camp he’d have a tough road ahead of him to crack the 53-man roster.
Still, he’d be a nice practice squad piece and could contribute on the special teams and as a situational pass rusher if called upon.
Defensive tackle Mike Purcell
Purcell is a big defensive tackle who excelled at getting to the quarterback while the with the Salt Lake Stallions, forcing 14 quarterback hurries and recording four sacks.
He was originally a signed by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2014 and appeared in 25 NFL games between 2014-2016, recording 29 solo tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.
Seattle could use more interior defensive linemen, especially after losing Shamar Stephen in free agency and transitioning Nazair Jones to the defensive edge.
Purcell would have to work very hard to earn himself a spot on the 53-man roster, but he couldn’t hurt to have in training camp.
Wide Receiver Jalin Marshall
Marshall is a former Ohio State product who went undrafted and appeared in 10 games with the Jets back in 2016. He was a successful return man in his brief NFL time, returning 18 punts for 100 yards and 13 kicks for 324 yards.
He also had 14 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns, although his 60.9 percent catch rate wasn’t so great.
Marshall dominated once he got to the AAF however, becoming one of the more elite receivers in the league with the Orlando Apollos.
Marshall could come in and compete for one of Seattle’s final receiver jobs, although he is likely more suited to be an NFL return man like he was back in 2016.
With both Tyler Lockett and Rashaad Penny expected to have big roles in the offense, Seattle could use an experienced return-only player, and Marshall could be that guy.
Defensive Tackle Will Sutton
Sutton was a third round pick by the Chicago Bears back in 2014, after an accomplished career at Arizona State. He only appeared in 36 NFL games over the next three seasons, racking up 39 solo tackles and seven passes defended.
He wasn’t much of a pass rusher however, only recording two quarterback hits and zero sacks. He showed promising grades on the defensive line for the Arizona Hotshots, and even though he wasn’t much of a pass rusher there he showed enough promise that he could be a decent run-stuffer up front for a very thin Seahawks defensive line.
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