The Seattle Seahawks added defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. to the roster last month as a free agent and he already sees a role for himself on the team . . . a role very similar to that of his idol, Michael Bennett.
“That’s a guy I’ve looked up to in the league and a guy I’ve kind of modeled my game after,” Hyder told the media during his Zoom interview on Thursday. “The characteristics were there, that’s who I watched – same body type, that kind of thing. That’s one of the reasons I always kind of pictured myself in Seattle, because I can kind of see myself in that same type of role as Mike.”
Bennett and Hyder share other similarities as well, both hailed from Texas schools and entered the league as undrafted free agents. The two also spent time together on the Cowboys roster.
As for this season, Hyder plans to capitalize on his versatility on the defensive line.
“They want to try to use me the best way they can, whether that’s inside or outside,” he explained. “I’ve always been a defensive lineman who kind of gets in where he fits in, so if they need me inside, I’m scrapping it up inside; if I’ve got to play outside, I’ll play outside. I’m definitely coming in as a defensive end and that’s where I plan spending the majority of my time.”
