The Seahawks Wednesday signed Justin Britt, their second-round pick in the draft, and sixth-rounder Garrett Scott, both offensive tackles The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Britt, from the University of Missouri, will probably compete with Michael Bowie as the right tackle replacement for Breno Giacomini, who departed for the New York Jets in free agency.
Britt, who sent out his signing photo on Instagram, receives a four-year contract worth an estimated $3,456,930, which includes a signing bonus of $834,132, according to OverTheCap.com.
The Seahawks have two unsigned draft choices – fourth-rounders Kevin Norwood, a wide receiver from Alabama; and Kevin Pierre-Louis, a linebacker from Boston College.
Taken by the Seahawks with the final pick of the second round, 64th overall, Britt started 36 of 49 games at Missouri, including 30 at left tackle. He would play right tackle in Seattle if he’s able to win the job from Bowie, who had a number of starts last year when Giacomini was injured.
Of all the Seahawks draft choices, Britt has perhaps the best chance to contribute right away if he shows well in training camp.
He is a powerful run blocker and, at Missouri, was rarely flagged with penalties. Some draft experts thought he would be available later, perhaps as late as the fifth round, but the Seahawks suffered defections in free agency, including Giacomini and Paul McQuistan, who signed with Cleveland.
“He picked everything up,” Carroll said at the conclusion of the three-day minicamp. “He’s very well prepared, technique-wise. He has real good footwork. His base is real good. His balance is real good for a big man. He moved well off of the line of scrimmage. He won’t have any trouble learning.
“It’s going to take some time, of course, but he won’t have any trouble picking stuff up. He’s a real serious, mature kid and I think he would jump right into the competition – exactly like we planned.”
Britt was a state champion wrestler in high school, which he thinks is a help for his new job.
“I think that’s where my competitive edge comes from,” Britt said. “Being a wrestler, you get pushed to limits you didn’t even know you could be pushed to. Everybody is looking at you, and you don’t want to be the guy that gives up, in front of how ever many people are there. So the adrenaline kicks in. You get a second breath of fresh air and you start going again.”
The 6-4, 307-pound Scott, who played at Marshall, did not participate in the rookie minicamp because he had yet to pass his physical. But the Seahawks see him providing depth at left tackle, where Pro Bowler Russell Okung missed eight games last season and is now sidelined after toe ligament surgery.
Scott started 35 games for the Thundering Herd at tackle and guard.
“We like the shot of him playing left tackle, because he’s done it and it’s a difficult spot to find,” Carroll said. “He looked very comfortable there – really has the kind of quickness and light-on-his-feet ability that gives us the thought that he could do that.”
1 Comment
I sure hope these guys pan out, as Wilson was THE MOST SACKED QB, PER PASS ATTEMPT, in the NFL last year.
His luck, as to injuries, can only last so long!