The Seattle Seahawks picked up a local product in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft, selecting linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven out of the University of Washington.
“It’s cool because I had some familiarity, I’ve played here at the VMAC every year in camp, and I knew the coaches a little bit better than I probably would have at any other place,” Burr-Kirven told reporters Saturday after rookie practice. “So it has been a good transition. I’m just happy to stay in Seattle.”
But while Burr-Kirven might be familiar with the facilities and staff, his role on the defense is relatively new to him.
“It’s pretty different, honestly,” he explained. “I was playing Mike at UW, I was playing the true middle spot. I’m playing the Will here, which is a little bit different. So I’m doing a little bit more stuff outside of the box, getting out on receivers, that kind of stuff. So there’s definitely difference.”
Seattle selected Cody Barton out of Utah ahead of Burr-Kirven in the draft with the expectation the former Ute will be working into the middle linebacker position. Burr-Kirven is up to the challenge of moving to the outside.
“I think it’s just playing in space more,” Burr-Kirven said. “Mike you’re really in the box, you’re sifting through traffic more, and at the Will you’re more in space, playing out on running backs in the flat, covering receivers a little bit more. So it’s just a little more a space-driven game.”
Burr-Kirven and the rest of the Seahawks rookies and tryout players will have one more day to adjust to the NFL before wrapping up minicamp Sunday morning.
