NFL.com writer Daniel Jeremiah ranked the top 25 rookies heading into Week 1 of the season, and the Seattle Seahawks had one representative on the list.
While most would expect DK Metcalf to be the name in that spot, the honor actually went to third round pick Cody Barton.
The former Utah linebacker had an excellent preseason, impressing with his versatility in run coverage and pass protection. While the Seahawks made it clear they are super high on Barton long-term, for the time being he does not appear to have a starting role on this defense.
That could mean this is the first, and last, time he will show up on this list this season – barring a legal decision on SAM linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who is scheduled to be sentenced on September 25.
“Barton, a third-round pick, stood out because of his ability to run and cover in the passing game,” Jeremiah wrote. “The Seahawks continue to impress with their ability to scout the linebacker position.”
Expect Barton to be a big time contributor in the special teams while he soaks up information from Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright.
If he is called upon to start at any point in 2019, he will be ready.
